A factory supervisor who went to inform a close relative of the latter's follow-up treatment at a Penang hospital was stabbed to death at a house in Kulim today.

S. Mohanakrishnan, 54, from Padang Serai, died on the spot at the house in Kampung Kelapa Batu Lapan, Lunas about 5.30pm.

The police have detained a 52-year-old truck driver to facilitate investigations into the killing.

A dagger, believed to have been used by the assailant was seized.

Kulim police chief, Supt Abdullah Arshad said Mohanakrishnan and his brother, Surieya Sangar, 50, arrived at the suspect's house to inform him of his appointment at the hospital.

As the suspect told the two brothers that he was hungry, he said Surieya Sangar went to buy food from a nearby stall.

"Soon after, Mohanakrishnan contacted Surieya Sangar and told that the suspect had stabbed him and asked him to return to the house," Abdullah said in a statement here.

Upon arrival at the house, Surieya Sangar found his brother dead in front of the house.