Missing elderly man found dead in burnt hut at rubber farm

The burnt-down hut in Ranau

KOTA KINABALU: An elderly man who did not return home after going to his rubber farm in Kg Bongkud, Ranau, has been found dead inside a burnt-down hut.

The 77-year-old, identified as Baloi Igal, had gone to his farm earlier this week and was supposed to return on Wednesday (Feb 16).

When he did not return home as usual, his daughter went to the farm which is approximately 10km away to look for him.

State Fire and Rescue Department officials said the daughter had gone into the hut to inspect and was shocked to find the charred remains of her father inside.

She lodged a report at the Ranau police station at about 10.20pm on Wednesday (Feb 16).

According to initial investigations, it is believed that the fire had started from the kitchen area where firewood was used.

It is still unclear if the victim had fallen asleep while cooking, which led to the fire and his death, or whether he was trapped inside when the flames engulfed the wooden hut.

The victim’s remains have been taken to the hospital for a post-mortem.