Anglers find barrel with suspected human remains near Machap Water Reservoir

ALOR GAJAH, Sept 13 — A barrel suspected to hold human remains was discovered by three fishermen on a roadside slope close to the Machap Water Reservoir, reports Alor Gajah police chief Supt Ahmad Abu Bakar. The blue barrel was spotted around 11:40am while the men were fishing. Intrigued by the find, the anglers cut a small portion at the top of the barrel and uncovered bones inside. They then reported the discovery to the police, who arrived at the scene at approximately 12:00pm.

Initial examinations indicated the remains had been decomposing for over three weeks, according to Ahmad. He informed reporters that the police sought help from the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department to lift the barrel, while the remains were transported to Melaka Hospital for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the victim's gender and identity.

Ahmad appealed for help from the public to any missing family members to report to the police to aid further investigations. The case is being treated as a murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code. He urged the public to share any information with the nearest police station.