IPOH, Feb 23 — A 24-year-old odd job worker was found dead with gunshot wounds to his head in a jungle near Bintang Hijau rest area in Gerik, some 130km from here.

Mohamad Haniff Mat Zabidi’s body was found by villagers yesterday after he failed to return home at Kampung Choruk Kapas in Baling, Kedah since Sunday.

His elder brother Mohamad Hazwan said he only realised on Wednesday evening that his brother was missing and a search operation was carried out by villagers.

"His body was discovered at about 4pm,” he said.

Speaking to reporters at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun mortuary, where Haniff’s body has been sent for a post-mortem, Hazwan said he last saw Haniff in January.

"He normally goes into the jungle for several days to hunt for birds, he usually follow a group of friends,” he said adding that Haniff’s body would be buried at his village after Asar prayers today.

Meanwhile Gerik district police chief Superintendent Ismail Che Isa said the victim is believed to have died at least three days before his body was found.

"We have informed the state police contingent and the Forensic Unit had been sent to the site for further investigations,” he said.