Man found in drain died from electrocution, possibly while stealing power cables

KOTA KINABALU: The man who was found dead in a drain is believed to have been electrocuted in the process in the midst of stealing power cables in the Sandakan district.

The victim was found with cables stuck to his body when authorities arrived to retrieve his body on Saturday (Oct 2).

Sandakan OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Azhar Hamin said there were electrical cables, wire cutters, a screwdriver and a knife were found close to the body.

"There is no foul play suspected in this case," he said, adding the case is being investigated as sudden death.

The victim's body was taken to the hospital for a post-mortem.

Earlier, Sabah Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Misran Bisara identified the victim as Mohd Nasir Hassan, an immigrant in his 30s.

His body was discovered in a drain near the Pekan Batu 8 junction at about 6.30am on Saturday.

"Firemen managed to get him out of the drain after cutting off the power supply to the area," he said in a statement.