The search for a 10-year-old girl who had been missing since 13 July ended in tragedy after her body was discovered near a house under construction in Kampung Numbak, Sepanggar, Sabah.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) believe she was the victim of murder. The victim, identified as Nurjilya Abdullah, was found on Thursday night (16 July) on a bush-covered slope near the construction site.
Body found decomposing, two suspects arrested
Her body was in an advanced state of decomposition, with severe deterioration that left her face and head unrecognisable. Following the discovery, police arrested two local men, aged 39 and 42, to assist in the investigation. Nurjilya was reported missing on 13 July after leaving her family home in Kampung Numbak Bakau, Sepanggar, which prompted a missing person alert to be issued by PDRM.
Acting Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief Superintendent Syed Lot Syed Abdul Rahman said officers, accompanied by a forensics unit, rushed to the scene after receiving a report of the discovery at approximately 10.38 PM. The victim’s identity was confirmed by her mother, who recognised the clothing her daughter had been wearing when she went missing.
A post-mortem examination later revealed that the girl is believed to have died from injuries to her face and the back of her head, consistent with blunt force trauma inflicted by a hard object. Based on information gathered during the investigation, police subsequently detained the two suspects. Both men are expected to be brought before the court for a remand application to facilitate further investigations.
Motive is still unknown
According to an official statement, authorities have yet to determine a motive, and investigators are continuing to collect witness statements and forensic evidence. Police have urged members of the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information that could interfere with the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the investigating officer, Assistant Superintendent La Paula Abd Muis, at 013-514 9490, or report to the nearest police station. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
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