KOTA KINABALU: A man has been found dead inside his car, which was submerged in the sea at a water village in Sandakan district.

       Sandakan Fire and Rescue Department chief Jimmy Lagung said they received a call about an almost fully submerged vehicle in Kg Batu 7, at 5.44am, Sunday (Sept 19) and had gone to investigate.

       “Our men had proceeded to haul the vehicle out of the water and that was when we noticed there was a victim inside,” he said when contacted.

       He said the man was seated in the driver’s seat.

       “The victim has been identified as 62-year-old Thien Nyuk Kong,” Lagung said.

       Sandakan acting OCPD Supt Abdul Fuad said they were still investigating whether there are elements of foul play in this incident.

       Information is still being gathered from villagers and possible witnesses to the incident, he said.