The murder in front of a temple in Metropolitan Park, Relau, yesterday is believed to be the doings of the same Myanmar gang involved in the killings of Myanmar nationals in the state, said Penang police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi.

   

He said this was based on the modus operandi and injuries inflicted on the victims.

   

"From the initial investigation, we do not rule out the possibility that the murder early this morning in Relau is connected to several other murder cases involving Myanmar nationals.

   

"The suspects and victim are believed to be Myanmar nationals and the motive is believed to be revenge. However, further investigations are ongoing," Abdul Rahim ( left ) told reporters when met after a PDRM bowling tournament, here, yesterday.

   

"The police may be able to obtain some information on the suspects from the Myanmar nationals detained earlier," he said.

      

In the incident yesterday, a man, believed to be a foreigner was found dead in a pool of blood in front of a temple in Metropolitan Park.

   

Several stab wounds were found on his cheeks, neck and both arms while his left ear was cut off.

   

The body of the man, believed to be in his 30s, was discovered by a female teacher who went to the recreation area at 10am.

   

No identification documents were found on the body.

   

Since early this year, 18 homicides involving Myanmar nationals were reported in Penang.

   

In the earlier cases, the bodies were wrapped with white cloth and left by the roadside but since last month, the victims were dismembered.