TUARAN: Police are looking for the next of kin of a disabled senior citizen, whose charred remains were found following a fire in Kampung Tombongon here Saturday night.
The victim was identified as Chung Pau San @ Joseph Chung, in his 80s, and had been living alone at the village in Kiulu for over 30 years.
Fondly known as Ah Chong, villagers said they did not know his family members.
The victim's house was completely razed in the 11.15pm incident.
District police chief Deputy Superintendant Mohd Hamizi Halim said Chung was trapped in his home and members of the public only realised the blaze after noticing thick smoke billowing from the structure.
"They contacted the Fire and Rescue Department and the firefighters put out the flames upon arriving at the scene. They discovered the charred remains of the victim near his bed."
Hamizi said police classified the case as sudden death and the body was taken to the Tuaran Hospital for post-mortem.
"Police are requesting the victim's next of kin to come forward to the Tuaran police headquarters or any nearby police station to help assist in the process of claiming the body," he said.
