ALOR GAJAH, Sept 13 — 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 11.40am.

“Suspicious of the discovery, the anglers cut a small section at the top of the barrel before finding bones cemented inside it.

“The anglers then lodged a police report and our team arrived at the location at about 12 noon,” he told reporters at the scene today.

Ahmad said initial investigations found that the remains were believed to have been decomposing for at least three weeks.

He said police then sought assistance from the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department to lift the barrel, while the remains were taken to Melaka Hospital for a post-mortem to determine the victim's gender and identity.

“I appeal to anyone who is missing a family member to lodge a police report to assist in further investigations,” he said.

He added that the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder and urged the public to channel any information to the nearest police station. — Bernama