KUANTAN: A post-mortem has revealed that a Cambodian man drowned while fishing at Sungai Mati, Tanjung Putus near Bukit Rangin here on Saturday.
Sary Tolos was not attacked by a crocodile, as rumoured earlier, said the police.
The remains of the 26-year-old, a mechanic in Indera Mahkota here, were found on the riverbank around noon yesterday, 300 metres from the spot he went missing.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said a post-mortem showed that Sary Tolos had drowned.
"The victim had injury marks near his hands, believed to have been caused by a wild animal. A pathologist is scheduled to examine the body later today to determine the cause of the injuries.
"Initial investigations reveal he died due to drowning and not because of a wild animal attack. His body was found intact," Wan Mohd Zahari told reporters at the district-level 217th Police Day celebration at Indera Mahkota here today.
He also said the Wildlife and National Parks Department confirmed that the river is a habitat for crocodiles.
"Sary Tolos's friend who was near the river claimed to have spotted a crocodile but investigations show the victim was not attacked by a reptile," he said.
Sary Tolos and two friends were catching fish in the river about 8pm when their net got entangled. They tried to free it but he suddenly faced difficulties and disappeared into the water.
One of the two friends claimed he spotted a crocodile's tail. He lodged a police report.
Wan Mohd Zahari also said police were tracking down a man to assist in investigations into an assault on a youth, who allegedly forgot to pay RM9 for two burgers he bought on March 19.
He said investigations revealed a misunderstanding occurred between the 20-year-old victim and the burger seller.
"Police have identified a suspect," he added.
The victim was allegedly hit and kicked on the head.
