BEAUFORT: Human skeletal remains were found in an abandoned teachers' quarters in Membakut here, yesterday.
The remains were found around 9am by two cleaners. The building was believed to be abandoned since five years ago.
Acting district police chief, Assistant Superintendent Weddrin Mojingkin, said the remains, which were fully clothed, were found splayed on the floor.
However, the skull was detached and laying next to the remains.
"We believe that the remains are old given that only skeletal remains were left.
"The building has also been vacant for around five years," he said.
Weddrin said they also found a length of wire, coiled into a loop, hanging from the ceiling fan in the same room.
A plastic chair, which was broken, was found near the remains.
"We have yet to ascertain the identity. There was also no sign of foul play.
"We have classified the case as sudden death for now," he said.
Weddrin said the remains have been sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu for identification and to establish the cause of death.
Efforts to contact members of the public who have lost family members are also underway.
"We advise those with any information on the case to directly contact the Membakut police station to assist the investigation," he said.