Alor gajah: A barrel believed to contain human remains was found on a slope by the roadside near the Machap Water Reservoir here today, according to Alor Gajah police chief Supt Ahmad Abu Bakar. He said the blue barrel was found by three anglers aged between 25 and 35 while fishing at the reservoir at about 11.40 am.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the anglers, suspicious of the discovery, cut a small section at the top of the barrel before finding bones cemented inside it. The anglers then lodged a police report, and a police team arrived at the location at about 12 noon. Supt Ahmad Abu Bakar, who was present at the scene, informed reporters of the incident.

Ahmad stated that initial investigations suggest the remains had been decomposing for at least three weeks. He added that the police sought assistance from the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department to lift the barrel, while its contents were taken to Melaka Hospital for further examination to determine their nature.

He appealed to the public, urging anyone who is missing a family member to lodge a police report to assist in further investigations. Ahmad also called for anyone with information regarding the case to contact the nearest police station.