Malaysia

Head and torso recovered in Kota Kinabalu dismemberment investigation

Police forensic teams locate the remaining major body parts near a local supermarket following the initial discovery of severed limbs by sanitation workers at a Taman Indah Permai refuse site

Updated 8 months ago · Published on 12 Feb 2026 2:08PM

Head and torso recovered in Kota Kinabalu dismemberment investigation
While the head, torso, and one set of limbs have been accounted for, authorities noted that as of midday, one arm and one leg remain missing (Photo from Harian Metro) - February 12, 2026

THE investigation into a gruesome discovery in Kota Kinabalu took a significant turn late this morning as police recovered a human head and torso from a secondary waste disposal site.

The discovery, made at 11.40 am near a supermarket in Taman Indah Permai, follows an intensive search operation triggered by the earlier finding of a severed arm and leg at a nearby car park refuse collection point.

The grim sequence of events began at approximately 6.30 am when a municipal waste collector was startled by a human arm, severed from the shoulder to the palm, which fell from a bin as it was being hoisted into a compaction vehicle.

Upon further inspection of the container, workers discovered a human leg, severed from the hip to the foot.

The remains had been wrapped in black plastic refuse bags before being discarded in the communal bins.

Acting on the initial find, police officers and sanitation staff conducted a systematic search of neighbouring disposal units and re-examined waste already loaded into collection lorries.

This coordinated effort led to the second discovery near the supermarket premises.

While the head, torso, and one set of limbs have been accounted for, authorities noted that as of midday, one arm and one leg remain missing.

Superintendent Syed Lot Syed Ab Rahman, the Acting Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief, previously confirmed the ongoing nature of the probe, stating that further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.

Police continue to treat the area as a crime scene while they seek to establish the identity of the deceased and the motives behind the killing. - February 12, 2026

Spotlight

Business

Ringgit gains as oil prices plunge on hopes of Iran conflict de-escalation

Events

UKM to establish academic research platform named after Dr Wan Azizah

Malaysia

Deepavali preparations destroyed as flash floods inundate Sungai Buloh homes

Malaysia

Melaka polls: Calm campaign puts focus on what parties can offer voters

Malaysia

Anwar challenges Hadi over ‘Dajjal’ label

Malaysia

Shuhaily remains AKPS chief pending official transfer order, says lawyer

Malaysia

Najib's former wife Tengku Puteri Zainah passes away

Malaysia

Matrade exposes scam involving fake procurement orders, advance payment demands

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

“Don’t panic,” Govt assures stable essential goods supply amid geopolitical tensions, monsoon threat

You may be interested

Malaysia

Insurers must not use litigation to wear down accident victims, court rules

Malaysia

Tony Pua urges BNM, MACC to audit RM50 million fund used to pay Najib’s fine

Malaysia

SMEs need stronger financing, talent and management support to scale up – Fadillah

Malaysia

ECRL connectivity under scrutiny as MCMC intensifies 4G, 5G coverage upgrades

Malaysia

Malaysia must turn energy transition into higher-paying jobs with stronger local industries

Malaysia

Malaysia favours diplomacy over legal action in tackling transboundary haze with Indonesia

Malaysia

Ayer Keroh voters deserve answers on candidate's 2023 court case, says PH

Malaysia

Sarawak state election set for Dec 12 as 82 seats go up for grabs