POLICE have launched a murder investigation after a blue barrel believed to contain human remains was found on a slope near the Machap Water Retention Pond in Alor Gajah today.
Alor Gajah district police chief Superintendent Ahmad Abu Bakar said the barrel was discovered by three people aged between 25 and 35 who were fishing at the retention pond at about 11.40am.
He said the group became suspicious after finding the barrel and cut open part of its top, revealing bones believed to have been cemented inside.
“The fishing group then lodged a police report, and our team arrived at the location at about noon,” he said when met by reporters at the scene today.
Ahmad said preliminary investigations found that the remains had decomposed and were estimated to have been there for more than three weeks.
Police subsequently sought assistance from the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department to retrieve the barrel, which was located on a slope beside the road.
“The remains were taken to Melaka Hospital for a post-mortem to determine the victim’s gender and identity.
“I urge anyone who has a missing family member to come forward and lodge a police report to assist with further investigations,” he said.
Ahmad said the case was being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
He also urged anyone with information about the case to contact the nearest police station. -September 13, 2026
