Malaysian Pharmacist Found Murdered In Melbourne Home

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- A Malaysian pharmacist working in Melbourne was killed in his home on Wednesday, according to Australian media. 

Kum Chuan Leong, 29, fondly known as KC, was reportedly found dead by a friend at his Davidson St townhouse in Bellfield.

He had worked at a public health services company in Melbourne since 2021. 

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), his employer, in a statement, had called his death a “tragedy that would be felt by many”. 

Eastern Health chief executive David Plunkett said Leong would be "remembered for his passion, kindness and dedication to his team and the broader community".

"KC was recognised as a talented leader and was a mentor for many of our emerging pharmacists," he said.

The Australian media reported that Simon Hunter, 54, was charged in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court with murder on Thursday.

The court heard that Hunter had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had no fixed address. He has been remanded in custody before the case returns to court on Jan 16.

The court was told that Leong’s family had arrived from Malaysia on Thursday morning and were meeting with the police, according to ABC. 

In response, the Foreign Ministry, in a short statement on Sunday, said it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance to Leong’s family. 

It urges the media to respect the family’s privacy as they face this difficult period.

-- BERNAMA