KOTA KINABALU: The disappearance of a young girl in Kampung Numbak, Sepanggar, here, has been reclassified as a murder investigation after police discovered a body believed to be hers.
The body was identified by her mother based on the clothing she was wearing when she was reported missing.
Acting Kota Kinabalu OCPD Supt Syed Lot Syed Ab Rahman said the girl, Nurjilya Abdullah, was reported missing on Monday (July 13).
He said police received information from the public at about 10.38pm on Wednesday (July 15) regarding the discovery of the body of a young girl near a house under construction in a bushy area on a hill in Kampung Numbak.
"Forensic examinations at the scene found the body to be in an advanced state of decomposition.
"The victim was subsequently identified by her mother based on the clothing she was wearing when she was reported missing," he said in a statement on Thursday (Jul 16).
A post-mortem conducted by a forensic pathologist found that the death was believed to have resulted from injuries to the face and the back of the head, suspected to have been inflicted with a blunt object.
Acting on information received and investigations carried out, police arrested two men to assist in the investigation.
Both suspects will be brought to court to obtain a remand order to facilitate further investigations.
"The motive behind the incident is still under investigation. Police are actively recording statements from witnesses and gathering related evidence to complete the investigation paper," Supt Syed Lot said.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
He added that the public is advised not to speculate or spread unverified information that could affect the investigation.
"Anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officer ASP La Paula Abd Muis at 013-514 9490 or the nearest police station," he said.
