THE search for a man reported missing earlier this week ended in tragedy after his body was found floating in Sungai Air Putih near a bridge in Kampung Seberang Tayor on Friday evening.
The deceased, identified as 38-year-old Mualim Johari, was discovered by villagers at about 6pm after his body became lodged against a pile of driftwood in the river.
The grim discovery brought to an end days of uncertainty following his disappearance on Wednesday.
Kemaman district police chief Superintendent Mohd Razi Rosli said emergency responders were immediately mobilised to recover the body after it was sighted by local residents.
Fire and Rescue Department personnel subsequently retrieved the body from the river and brought it to the riverbank before it was handed over to police for further investigation.
Mohd Razi said preliminary examinations found no indication of criminal involvement in the man's death.
“Physical examination of the victim’s body found no signs of criminal elements. The victim’s body has been sent to the Forensic Unit of Kemaman Hospital for further action,” he said when contacted.
Police have classified the case as a sudden death report while awaiting the outcome of forensic examinations to determine the exact cause of death.
Further investigations are ongoing. - June 13, 2026
