SANDAKAN: Police have provided new details surrounding the death of Ejen Ali animation director Andi Abdul Ghani A. Kadir, confirming that he suddenly exited his vehicle and jumped into the Kinabatangan River.
The incident happened shortly after the car he was travelling in with his wife skidded at a bridge in Kampung Batu Puteh on Tuesday (Sept 23).
Kinabatangan OCPD Supt Ravi A. Duraisamy said a report was lodged at 4.40pm on the day of the incident, following information that a man had jumped into the river.
The 42-year-old victim, a graphic designer, had been travelling with his wife from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu when the car skidded at the Kampung Batu Puteh bridge.
“After the vehicle skidded, the victim suddenly exited the car and jumped into the river,” he said in a statement.
Ravi denied speculation that a quarrel between the couple had led to the incident.
“There was no quarrel (with his wife). When they reached the bridge, the victim asked his wife to stop the car, ran out, and immediately jumped into the river.
"However, we are investigating what caused the victim to jump into the river,” he said when contacted.
The Civil Defence Force (APM) said the incident occurred at 5.57pm, when Andi exited the car he was in before heading to the riverbank and jumping into the water.
A large-scale search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched, involving police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Force and local villagers, with assistance from Sawit Kinabalu’s boat unit. The operation covered a 5km downstream radius from the point where Andi was last seen.
The following morning, at about 11.25am on Sept 24, the victim’s body was found near the same location where he had jumped. The SAR operation was called off at 12.15pm, and the body was handed over to police for further action.
The body was sent to the forensic department at Kinabatangan Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
“Initial investigations found no criminal elements in the case, which has been classified as a sudden death while awaiting the full post-mortem results,” Ravi said.
The incident occurred just a week after Andi’s wedding on Sept 16.
WAU Animation, where Andi served not only as animation director but also as part of the studio’s “Braintrust” creative team, described his death as an “immeasurable loss” to Malaysia’s animation industry.
“His vision and leadership shaped the creative direction of Ejen Ali and inspired a generation of young animators. His absence will be deeply felt across the studio and beyond,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
First aired in 2016, Ejen Ali quickly became one of Malaysia’s most successful animated series. Its first film premiered in 2019, while its 2025 sequel became the country’s highest-grossing animated feature, raking in RM59.3mil.
Andi’s passing has left a profound void in the local creative scene, with tributes continuing to pour in from fellow animators, fans and industry figures honouring his legacy and creative vision.
Those facing mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/ 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/ 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim's family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929/ email sam@befrienders.org.my) or any Befrienders centre in Malaysia.
