It is believed that the four suspects, aged between 26 and 31, did not want the hospital to screen their late father for Covid-19.

Lahad Datu police chief Rohan Shah Ahmad said the 58-year old father had been warded in the hospital for health issues and was categorised as a “Patient-Under-Investigation”.

Based on medical records, Rohan said, the deceased had a history of brain diseases and had suffered a stroke.

“After he died, the health worker had briefed the family members on the procedures for handling the dead. This includes a Covid-19 test to ensure there was no risk of an infection,” he said.

However, the family members refused to leave the body in the hospital and brought it home.

Police later raided the home and nabbed the suspects, including a woman.

“The body was later found in the hall.”

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