KUBANG PASU: The search area for the body of 62-year-old retiree Sabari Baharom, who was allegedly thrown into Sungai Padang Terap by his abductors near Kampung Empa, has been expanded today.
The search radius now extends 12.8km along the river from Kampung Empa Bridge.
The search party includes Kedah police, a scuba team from Batu Uban, Penang, and firefighters from the Jitra Fire and Rescue station.
As of noon today, however, there has been no sign of the victim.
Yesterday, authorities reclassified the case of the missing retired Felcra financial officer from Baling as a murder investigation, following the arrests of two men suspected of involvement in his abduction.
Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh reported that the suspects, aged 26 and 38, confessed to murdering Sabari by throwing him into the river with his hands bound and mouth taped.
On Sept 24, Fisol confirmed that a 62-year-old woman had also been detained to assist in the investigation into Sabari's disappearance.
Sabari was reported missing on Sept 3 after leaving his home in Kampung Mengkuang Tengah, Kuala Pegang, Baling, in a Proton Waja.
His car was later found burned in Belantik, Sik, and there has been no trace of him since.
Family members have raised concerns that Sabari was abducted after noticing several money transfers to other people's bank accounts within two days of his disappearance.