KOTA KINABALU: The body of an unidentified man found hanging from a tree at Kampung Pondo on Gaya Island last Friday tested positive for Covid-19.
Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Habibi Majinji said a post-mortem conducted on the body, which has yet to be identified but was presumably a foreigner, turned out positive for Covid-19 infection.
"In light of this unexpected development, we have ordered all those involved in the case, especially policemen who helped in the recovery of the body to undergo health screening," he said, adding that they have also been told to quarantine themselves at homes, pending the Covid-19 test results.
He said the policemen who were on duty at the site on April 6 had all followed the safety and precaution measures.
"Initial checks, showed that those who were on duty at the scene wore their face masks and gloves, before they handled or brought down the body from the tree and sent it to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for the autopsy," he told a press conference at the Kota Kinabalu IPD today.
Keeping a positive mind, Habibi said he prayed and hoped none of them will test positive.
Meanwhile, on the case, Habibi said so far no one has come forward to claim the man's remains.
"Those who have missing family members or believe they might know the deceased are advised to contact Pulau Gaya Police Station Chief, Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Mohd Zulfikar Abd Salam at 019-8009455," he said.
Speaking on the MCO compliance, Habibi said the enforcement has so far been smooth thanks to good cooperation from the people.
"Normal transport services have been halted for now and we have only allowed the use of two boats per village. Even that is only for very important and necessary travel," he said, reminding the people around Gaya Island to continue their good job and adhere to instructions to stop further spread of the outbreak.
On April 6, Metro Harian reported that a body of a man had been found hanging from a tree.
The case was classified as sudden death and police believe he was a foreigner. The body was sent for a post-mortem the same day.