KUALA LUMPUR: The human remains found near Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia on Sunday (April 3) have been confirmed as belonging to a Malaysian who was believed to have been murdered more than a year ago.

       Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said investigations revealed that the victim was a 25-year-old man from Sarawak who entered Australia in Nov 2016 on a tourist visa.

       He said the victim was believed to have been offered a job as a farmworker by a syndicate suspected to be involved in drugs.

       "The Australian authorities are still investigating and any development will be conveyed to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for further actions,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 5) night.

       PDRM urged all parties to refrain from making speculations regarding the case that could create confusion among the people.

       Australian media reported the discovery of the remains believed to be those of "Jacky” Chong Kai Wong at 3.30pm on April 3.

       The Australian authorities said the victim was believed to have been murdered between Dec 25, 2020, and Jan 8, 2021, adding that three men, aged 33, 28 and 22 were charged with his murder. - Bernama