BATU PAHAT: The residents of Kampung Batu 7, Tongkang Pechah near here where human remains were discovered in an abandoned house said they were suprised and never suspected anything was amiss.
"All the time we were at home, we never smelled a bad smell," said resident Fazdilah Md Meri, 51.
The location where the remains were found is just a few metres behind Fazdilah's house.
The remains were found around 2pm yesterday after police were led to the location by a suspect.
Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said during a press conference that the discovery of the remains has been communicated to the family of missing single mother Mila Sharmila Samsusah, 32, known as Bella.
However, the police have yet to confirm whether the remains belong to Bella or someone else.
Fadzillah said he only became aware of the incident after some policemen came to his house and asked for the address.
"I gave them my full address, but at the same time, I was wondering why the police asked for my home address.
"The police told me that a skeleton was found in an abandoned rental house behind my house. At that time, I was shocked as I couldn't believe the news.
Before that, he said, the police also asked if he had heard a fight in the area.
He also saw police vehicles entering the area at 6am but at the time, the residents had no inkling what was happening.
It was much later that the news of the human remains had reached the residents.
"This road is a dead end and is usually used to make a U-turn if there is a roadblock in front of it. If strangers enter the road, my son will usually ask why they are heading there," he said.
According to him, police also asked him if he had seen a vehicle entering the area on Dec 15.
"During that time (Dec 15), we did not see anything suspicious even though my house was always occupied.
"I don't know if anyone come in but we don't notice it. Even if someone comes at 11pm or later, children will come out and ask where they are going," he said.