Kuala terengganu: A 44-year-old man, who was reported missing after going to forage for petai (stink beans) in Bukit Kampung Gemuruh, Tepoh, was discovered dead on Monday afternoon. Mohd Tarmizi Alias, hailing from Kampung Petaling, Tepoh, was found by local villagers lying on his back under a tree at approximately 4.35 pm.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor confirmed that the body showed signs of decomposition, suggesting that Mohd Tarmizi had died more than 24 hours before being found. The body was discovered under a duku tree by three villagers participating in the search and rescue operation, which included assistance from the Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).

ACP Azli further stated that there were no indications of foul play involved in the death. The victim, who was unmarried, has been returned to his family for subsequent arrangements.

JBPM operations commander Baharum Mohamad highlighted the challenging nature of the terrain, which extended the retrieval process of the body to over 40 minutes. The steep and hilly landscape, compounded by slippery conditions due to heavy rain, made the operation notably difficult. The body was eventually transported to the base of the hill by 6.15 pm and subsequently handed over to the police.