A man in his 50s was found dead behind a bookstore in Batu 3, Jalan Apas, Tawau, in an incident that has been classified as sudden death.
The body was discovered around 2pm yesterday after members of the public spotted the man lying motionless at the roadside and immediately alerted authorities. Situations like this often prompt public concern, particularly when deaths occur in open areas without clear initial signs of foul play.
Acting Tawau District Police Chief Superintendent Wilynton Enchana Watt said the District Control Centre (DCC) at the Tawau police headquarters received information on the case at about 2.08pm.
He said a police team was quickly deployed to the scene to conduct checks and begin initial investigations. Officers found the man lying unconscious upon arrival, before medical personnel later confirmed that he had already passed away.
Authorities noted that preliminary examinations on the body did not reveal any injuries, signs of struggle or elements of criminal involvement. In similar cases, investigators typically rely on forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of death.
Checks around the area also failed to uncover any suspicious circumstances linked to criminal activity. Police added that the environment at the scene did not indicate any immediate cause of concern.
The victim was later identified by family members who came forward to make a formal identification at the Forensic Unit of Tawau Hospital. According to relatives, the deceased had a history of tuberculosis and asthma.
His remains have since been sent to the hospital’s Forensic Department for a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death. The case has been classified as Sudden Death Report (SDR), with investigations still ongoing.
Police have also advised the public against spreading speculation that could interfere with investigations, while urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist authorities.
