Blue barrel skeleton discovery classified as murder

ALOR GAJAH: Police have classified the discovery of human remains inside a blue barrel cemented at a reserve area near Durian Tunggal Dam, Machap Baru here, as a murder case.

Alor Gajah police chief Superintendent Ahmad Abu Bakar said a post-mortem, which entered its second day today, confirmed that the skeleton and skull found inside the barrel were human remains.

"Examinations also found complete clothing, including a sarong, shirt and trousers, alongside the remains.

"However, the gender and cause of death have yet to be determined, and police are still awaiting further post-mortem results.

"The case has been classified as murder and is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code," he said.

Earlier, it was reported that skeletal remains believed to be human were found inside a water drum at the Durian Tunggal Dam catchment pond.

The remains were discovered after three anglers, aged between 25 and 35, became suspicious of the blue barrel.

Ahmad said the trio cut open part of the barrel's top and spotted what appeared to be human bones before contacting police.

Initial police checks found traces of cement on the top of the barrel, while the remains were believed to have been inside for at least three weeks.

The skull was also found separately, without any tissue attached to the bones.