John Doe believed to have drowned found dead in drain

BATU PAHAT: A homeless man believed to have drowned in a flood drain was found dead at Jalan Sultanah yesterday.

District police chief Assistant Commissioner Ismail Dollah said the victim without any identification papers was found in the drain at 5pm.

Police have classified the case as sudden death as there are no foul-play suspected in his death.

It is believed the victim, who is a local, fell into the drain face-down and due to the stagnant drain water, he drowned.

"Investigations are underway to establish his identity. We seek assistance from those who are able to shed light onto our investigations, to call our district control centre at 07-4363300," Ismail said.

Shop operators in the vicinity claimed the victim was frequently seen in the area and was regularly noticed sleeping by the pavements.

He is believed to be mentally unsound by the entrepreneurs as he was unkempt and begged for money.