ALOR STAR: A decision to end the search for the body of Felcra pensioner Sabari Baharom, who was tied and gagged before being thrown alive into Sungai Padang Terap, was made by the police.
In confirming the development, a spokesman with the state Fire and Rescue Department said they were informed of the decision late yesterday.
"The operation has been suspended following a decision made by the police.
"The Fire and Rescue Department only rendered support to the police force in the search operation, since the case is under their investigation," the spokesman said when contacted.
The New Straits Times has reached out to Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh for confirmation of the operation's suspension but has yet to receive a response.
Earlier today, it was reported that the search for Sabari, 62, had ended after three days, covering a 13-kilometre stretch along Sungai Padang Terap, did not yield any results.
Sabari was abducted from his home in Kampung Mengkuang Tengah in Kuala Pegang, Baling in the wee hours of Sept 4.
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.
admitted to binding Sabari's hands, taping his mouth, and throwing him into the river.
Earlier, police 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.
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