SIBU: A total 83 human bone fragments were found in a drain in Jalan Bukit Assek here, sending a shockwave across residential areas nearby.
The discovery came to light after a contract worker from the Sibu Municipal Council stumbled upon a skull, believed to be that of a human adult, while cleaning the drain on Monday.
Following such a discovery, a team comprising police, forensic experts and doctors from the Sibu Hospital was deployed to the scene yesterday.
This led to the discovery of 83 bone pieces.
Sibu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Zulkipli Suhaili, in a brief statement, confirmed the discovery.
"The team, which searched the area from 8.30am until 4pm, found 83 skeletal remains. Further investigation over the matter is ongoing," he said.
DNA samples from the remains, said Zulkipli, will be sent to the Chemistry Department's forensic unit for analysis.
"As of now, we have yet to ascertain the identities (of the remains).
"We will apply for a DNA analysis with the Department of Chemistry in the nearest time," he said when contacted today.