KOTA KINABALU: A centenarian who was reported missing six days ago in Kota Marudu district, has been found dead.
The 105-year-old man, Bakar Sampelit, was discovered lifeless by a stream at Kg Pondoi at 10.52am, Friday (Jan 9).
Kota Marudu OCPD Supt Simiun Lomudin said Bakar, who was believed to suffer from occasional memory lapses, was said to have left his home as he usually does, on Jan 3.
It was raining when he was believed to have wandered off, he said.
“His family noticed him missing at 4.11pm and immediately went in search for him outside the house and around the village,” he said in a statement.
However, they failed to locate him, Supt Simiun said, adding that Bakar often left his house to go for a walk and would return on his own, or be sent home by villagers.
A search operation involving the police, firemen, civil defence officials and villagers was mounted.
He said Bakar’s body was finally found some 500m from his house, on Friday.
“The victim’s body was taken to the hospital for further action after family members identified him,” he said, adding that investigations into the cause of death were being carried out.
