KUBANG PASU: Shubiah Roslina Shahibi, the wife of murder victim Sabari Baharom, has come to terms with the reality that her husband's remains may never be found.
Sabari, 62, a retired financial officer, was bound and gagged before being thrown alive into Sungai Padang Terap nearly month ago, as revealed by the suspects.
Shubiah, 57, said after three days of searching, the family had exhausted their efforts and accepted that recovering his body was unlikely.
"The family knows and accepts that my husband is no longer with us. If any remains are found, it would bring closure, but if not, it's okay, it is all Allah's will," she said when met at the search site today.
Shubiah, a civil servant, expressed her gratitude for the efforts of the authorities in trying to locate her husband's remains.
She said the authorities had briefed her, explaining that the likelihood of finding anything was slim.
"I am satisfied because they have done everything within their ability. They explained that the search had to be delayed since the murder took place on Sept 4. The suspects had to be arrested and questioned before the search could begin.
"Additionally, heavy flooding occurred in the area for about a week, followed by another flood lasting four days. The strong currents could have caused anything to happen," she added.
Shubiah said she left it to the authorities to decide whether to continue the search, trusting their experience and expertise.
"Just like in any job, we must eventually conclude and take the necessary steps. I understand that.
"We always hope for the best in every situation, but as Muslims, we must accept God's will. This was His promise to Sabari," she added.
Shubiah said she last saw her husband on July 27, after he returned to Baling alone from visiting their children in Kuala Lumpur.
She explained that she and her husband lived apart as she worked at Felcra's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
Recalling her husband's personality, she said he was a friendly man who saw the good in everyone.
"He had a cheerful personality and made friends easily, even with children. Sometimes, he would smile and wave to strangers. I once asked him why, and he said it just felt nice to do so," she added.
On Sept 30, police reclassified the case as a murder investigation following the arrest of two prime suspects, a 38-year-old contractor and his nephew, aged 26.
Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh was reported saying the suspects admitted to binding Sabari's hands, taping his mouth, and throwing him into the river.
Earlier, police had detained a 62-year-old woman to assist in the probe after it was discovered that there were suspicious money transfers from Sabari's account, following his disappearance.
It was reported that the Felcra financial officer retiree could have been a victim of a robbery which went awry.