GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia - A man bled to death after being slashed on his left wrist outside a karaoke lounge in Seang Tek Road here.

Acting OCPD Supt Gan Kong Meng said the man, who had no identification documents on him, died between 4am and 6am yesterday.

Police came to know of the murder only after receiving a call from the Penang Hospital's paramedic team at 1.10pm.

"Passers-by saw the man lying on the pavement in the morning and thought he was fast asleep.

"However, when he failed to wake up by noon, a coffee-shop owner investigated and saw a pool of blood.

"He then called an ambulance," Supt Gan told reporters at the scene yesterday.

Supt Gan said there was evidence of a struggle between the deceased and his assailant.

He also said a pathologist's report confirmed that the deceased had bled to death as a result of being slashed by a sharp object. .

Police have classified the case as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

Those with information should call investigating officer ASP Fauzi Md Yusoff at 04-228 2222.

THE STAR / ASIA NEWS NETWORK