Police are investigating after the body of an adult man was found floating near the Angkasa Baru Fish Jetty in Kudat today.
Kudat District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Haris Ibrahim said the discovery was made by members of the public at about 10.50am, with the identity of the deceased still unknown at this stage. Incidents involving unidentified bodies found at sea often require extensive forensic work before authorities can establish identity and cause of death.
He said a police team was immediately deployed to the location after receiving the report. Upon arrival, officers found the body of a man believed to be in his 30s floating on the sea surface near a fishing vessel anchored in front of the jetty.
The body was later retrieved from the water at about 11am with assistance from the Fire and Rescue Department and the Marine Police. Coordinated efforts between multiple agencies are typically required in maritime recovery operations due to safety and accessibility challenges.
The deceased was described as wearing a black short-sleeved T-shirt and black shorts. Initial checks at the scene indicated no immediate signs of foul play, though full investigations are ongoing.
Police also conducted interviews with jetty workers and management, who confirmed that no one recognised the victim and that he was not employed at the site. This has added to the uncertainty surrounding the identity of the deceased.
A physical examination at the scene also found no visible injuries on the body, and preliminary investigations did not reveal any criminal elements. The body was subsequently confirmed dead by a medical officer who attended the scene.
The remains have been sent to the Forensic Unit at Kudat Hospital for a post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death and to assist in identifying the victim.
Members of the public with any information regarding the identity of the deceased or missing persons matching the description have been urged to contact the Kudat District Police Headquarters or the nearest police station to assist with investigations.
