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 reported that Mr Leong Kum Chuan, who had been working at a public health services company since 2021, was found dead by a colleague at his home around 11.30am on October 23.

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

According to the news outlet, a 54-year-old homeless man was detained in connection with the case and later charged in court the next day with Mr Leong’s murder.

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

He was deemed unfit for police interview and concerns were raised about his behavior since detention.

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

“I’m not dealing with an accused person looking through a cell door. This is not satisfactory,” she said.

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

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

Meanwhile, Mr David Plunkett, 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 gifted leader and a mentor to many of the company’s budding 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 matter, 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 is due back in court on January 16, 2025. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK