Tapah murders: Brother regrets not being with murder victim on day of disappearance

The eldest brother of a 46-year-old man, who was believed to be killed by a family of four in Tapah, expressed regret for not being able to accompany the victim on the day of his disappearance.

"I usually accompany my brother wherever he went, except on the day of his disappearance, I was very tired because I had just returned from Kuala Lumpur," said Karamjit Singh, 54, when he was met by reporters here Wednesday.

The victim, a farmer-cum-land broker, was last seen leaving his home in Kampung Sungai Lah, Chenderiang, on Aug 25.

Karamjit said the victim, who was the third of seven siblings, was feared missing when he did not return home even after 7pm.

"He always came back by around 2pm, but on the day, he did not return.

"At 10am on the day of his disappearance, he could still be contacted by his employees. He went missing while going to buy food for six people, including his child," he said.

Karamjit said he and other family members tried to look for the victim for four days before making a police report at the Tapah police station.

"We even searched the Slim River Hospital and Ipoh Hospital, because we thought he might have been involved in an accident.

"I also thought he might have been kidnapped, but no one came forward to ask for ransom," he said.

Karamjit said his brother had also complained of being bothered by someone who wanted to buy land.

"At one time, I even saw him refusing to answer his phone because according to him, the caller was urging him to sell a piece of land at a low price," he said.

He said his brother was a friendly and kindhearted person, and his loss was felt by all the residents around Chenderiang.

"I hope they (suspects) will be brought to justice and receive due punishment," he added.