Malaysian illegal immigrant stabbed his housemate in a late-night knife fight over visa money

Yong Choy Chee admits recklessly causing serious injury to 29-year-old Hardeep Singh at a Springvale boarding house in November 2016

A man fled to New South Wales after inflicting near-fatal injuries on his Melbourne housemate over a knife fight about visa money.

Yong Choy Chee admits recklessly causing serious injury to 29-year-old Hardeep Singh at a Springvale boarding house in November 2016.

Both men came from Malaysia to Australia on tourist visas, but they expired and the duo remained in the country illegally.

They argued over roughly $400 Mr Singh had given to Chee’s cousin to obtain a new visa, Victoria’s Supreme Court was told on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Catherine Parkes said Chee repeatedly stabbed Mr Singh’s head and upper body, cutting an artery.

Ms Parkes said Mr Singh ran from the house and then back inside, screaming for help as he thought he was going to die.

He ended up in intensive care for six days, and required a blood transfusion and surgery.

At one point, he did not have a pulse and had to be revived. His left shoulder is permanently damaged.

Chee, then aged 30, fled before police arrived, leaving a trail of blood in the house.

The court was told he stopped accessing his bank accounts, changed his phone number and registered a new one in a false name.

He was arrested in NSW in February 2019 when police who stopped him about a ticketing offence realised he was wanted in Victoria.

Chee, then aged 30, fled before police arrived, leaving a trail of blood in the house. He was arrested in NSW in February 2019 when police who stopped him about a ticketing offence realised he was wanted in Victoria

Chee said he was sleeping when Mr Singh drunkenly and aggressively banged on his door.

‘He was holding a knife wanting to chop me. I was very fearful,’ Chee told the court.

He said he tried to shut the door and Mr Singh dropped the knife.

Chee also said his own wrist was cut, and he picked up the weapon and waved it in front of the other man.

‘I’m regretful for what I have done,’ he said.

‘At the time I was fearful. I’m not sure whether I stabbed him or not.’

The contested plea hearing before Justice Lex Lasry continues.