Malaysian Pharmacist Found Dead in Melbourne; homeless man accused of murder

KUALA LUMPUR – A 29-year-old Malaysian pharmacist working in Melbourne, Australia, was allegedly murdered by a man believed to be suffering from schizophrenia.

Australia’s 7News network reported that Mr Leong Kum Chuan, who had worked at a public health company since 2021, was found dead by a colleague in his home at around 11:30 am on October 23.

The colleague had gone looking for Mr Leong when he did not show up for work.

The news channel said a 54-year-old homeless man was arrested in connection with the case and subsequently charged in court the next day with Mr Leong’s murder.

The network reported that the suspect, identified as Simon Hunter, appeared at the Melbourne District Court via video link from his cell at Heidelberg police station.

He was deemed unfit for police questioning and there were concerns about his behavior since his detention.

During the court proceedings, the man took off his clothes in front of Magistrate Tara Hartnett, who then ordered remand staff to move him to a room where she could communicate with him.

‘I’m not dealing with a suspect looking through a cell door. This is not satisfactory,” she says.

The hearing was temporarily postponed until Hunter reappeared and spoke incoherently.

Lawyer Georgia Karvela told the court that her client suffers from schizophrenia and has not taken his medication for two weeks.

Meanwhile, Mr David Plunkett, the chief executive of Eastern Health, Mr Leong’s employer, said Mr Leong would be remembered for his generous nature.

“It is with great sadness that Eastern Health acknowledges the shocking death of our friend and colleague Kum Chuan ‘KC’ Leong,” Mr Plunkett told Australian media.

He said Mr Leong was a talented leader and mentor to many of the company’s emerging pharmacists.

“He will be remembered for his passion, kindness and dedication to his team and the wider community.

“KC was only 29 years old and this tragedy will be felt by many.

“Given the sensitive nature of this case, we ask that you respect the privacy of his family, friends and colleagues at this time,” he said.

It was also reported that Mr Leong’s family flew to Melbourne from Malaysia on October 24 but did not attend the court hearing.

Hunter will return to court on January 16, 2025. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK