KENINGAU: A rubber tapper was found dead, believed to have been bitten by a venomous snake, in an incident at Kampung Bunang Ulu Sook, here.
The 36-year-old man was found unconscious by the villagers who then immediately contacted the police for assistance.
District Police Chief deputy superintendent Nor Rafidah Kasim said that the police received a report of the discovery at 8am on July 13 and immediately dispatched a team to the location to conduct further investigation.
She stated that the initial investigation found the victim lying unconscious, and it is believed that he had already died.
"Upon initial examination at the scene, the police also found a grass-cutting machine near the victim.
"Initial examination of the victim's body revealed several blackish-red marks on the skin, suspected to be from a venomous animal bite," she said when contacted.
Nor Rafidah stated that further investigation also revealed that the victim had reportedly gone to the plantation area to tap rubber and cut grass a day before he was found dead.
She added that the investigation was still ongoing, and the case had been classified as sudden death (SDR).
"The victim's body has been sent to Hospital Keningau for further action," she said.