TAWAU: The body of a man was discovered in a roadside drain at Jalan Kampung Titingan here on Tuesday, prompting police to initiate an investigation.
Tawau District Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin confirmed that authorities were alerted to the scene by members of the public at approximately 12:00 noon. The body was sent to the hospital for a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
“The identity of the man and the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. For now, the case has been classified as a Sudden Death Report (SDR),” Jasmin stated.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as inquiries continue.
Meanwhile, in Sandakan, the district police swiftly apprehended a man wielding a machete in a public area at Mile 4 Jalan Utara about 11.00 am on Monday, averting potential harm to bystanders.
The 27-year-old suspect, believed to be a foreigner under the influence of methamphetamine, was subdued by officers from the mobile patrol vehicle (MPV) and motorcycle patrol unit (URB). A 70-cm-long machete was seized during the arrest.
Sandakan OCPD ACP Ahsmon Bajah disclosed that the case is being investigated under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive, Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Meanwhile, a search-and-rescue operation successfully located two French nationals who went missing during a hiking expedition at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) on Monday.
The couple, both aged 36, were found unharmed and escorted to safety by a joint team of firefighters and forest rangers.
According to Sabah Fire and Rescue Operations Centre, the male tourist contacted the emergency line MERS 999 for assistance at 1.24 pm.
A team from the Sandakan Fire and Rescue station and RDC Rangers arrived at 2.04 pm. The victims were reported lost 7KM from the entrance, accessible via land routes.
At 3.08 pm, RDC Rangers located the hikers using a sea route (boat) and transported them to Kampung Bambangan, 2KM away by sea, avoiding a longer land evacuation.
The operation ended at 4.05 pm and the hikers were sent to RDC via Forestry Department vehicles for further assistance.
“The swift coordination between BBP Sandakan and RDC Rangers ensured a successful outcome. We urge hikers to stay on marked trails and carry emergency communication devices,” a Fire and Rescue spokesman said.
The incident highlights the importance of preparedness in remote natural areas. The Rainforest Discovery Centre remains a popular ecotourism site, with authorities reiterating safety protocols for visitors. – James Leong
of Mile 4 Jalan Utara.
