Penang: The man arrested for allegedly assaulting former Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) vice-chancellor Tan Sri Prof Emeritus Dzulkifli Abdul Razak has been remanded for seven days to assist in the investigation. The incident occurred early yesterday morning in Taman Pekaka.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Timur Laut police chief ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad confirmed that the 52-year-old local man has been remanded from today until October 24. The suspect has three prior criminal records and 10 related to narcotics offences. He is currently under remand as police carry out further investigations into the case.

The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery. In the 6:45 am incident, the 74-year-old victim was returning home from the mosque after performing dawn prayers when he noticed a man hiding in the yard of his house.

Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail stated that as the victim approached, the suspect suddenly brandished a black object and attacked him. The incident resulted in the victim sustaining head injuries that required 16 stitches. Police later arrested the suspect in Bayan Baru at about 2:30 pm the same day.