Residents in the Bukit Taman Pertama 1 area in Lahad Datu were left in shock after a human skeleton was discovered in a drain near a downhill section of the neighbourhood yesterday morning.
The incident occurred at about 10.53am when the Lahad Datu District Police Headquarters (IPD) received an emergency call via the MERS999 line from a member of the public reporting the discovery.
Lahad Datu Deputy District Police Chief Superintendent Jimmy Panyau said police were immediately dispatched to the scene and confirmed the presence of human skeletal remains.
He said the remains were subsequently transported to the Forensic Unit of Lahad Datu Hospital for further examination to determine the identity of the deceased and the cause of death.
Police have classified the case as sudden death (SDR) pending further investigation.
Authorities have urged members of the public who may have missing family members or relevant information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
They can report to the Lahad Datu District Police Headquarters or any nearby police station, or contact the Deputy Officer-in-Charge of the Lahad Datu Police Station, Sergeant Major Ronney Lajius, at 010-4641071.
Police also advised the public against spreading speculation on social media, stressing that it could interfere with investigations and distress the family of the deceased.
