Dispute Over RM20 Ends in Tragedy as Plantation Worker Fatally Stabbed by Friend

A 37-year-old Filipino plantation worker was fatally stabbed multiple times by his colleague following an argument over RM20 at an oil palm plantation in Ulu Lumagar, Bongawan.

The incident occurred around 8 PM last Thursday, when the victim confronted the 26-year-old Indonesian suspect about RM20 given by his wife to buy fish and bread, which was never returned.

Papar District Police Chief, Superintendent Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka, stated that authorities were alerted by the plantation owner, who reported a fight among workers, leading to a fatal stabbing.

According to the victim’s wife, she had entrusted the suspect with RM20 to purchase groceries the previous week, but he claimed that the shop was closed and did not return the money. Additionally, the suspect had borrowed RM30 from her previously, which was also unpaid.

“The argument started when the suspect refused to acknowledge or return the money. During the verbal dispute, he went inside his house, retrieved a small knife, and attacked the victim, stabbing him repeatedly,” Kamaruddin said.

The wounded victim attempted to retrieve a weapon from his house to defend himself but collapsed outside his home due to severe injuries and died at the scene.

Following an investigation, police launched a raid at 12 PM on Friday, leading to the arrest of the suspect along with four others—two men and two women, aged between 20 and 60, all of Indonesian and Filipino nationality.

Authorities also recovered the wood-handled knife believed to have been used in the attack.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. The police urge anyone with information to contact Inspector Desmond Tanggapan at 019-4883322.