His wife, Subhiah Ruslina Shahibi, 57, said she was informed of this last night, but the family plans to visit the site at Jambatan Kampung Empa in Derang, near here, today.

The three-day search, covering a 13km stretch, yielded no new leads, prompting authorities to stop the operation yesterday evening.

It was launched after two men, aged 26 and 38, were arrested last Friday in connection with Sabari’s disappearance.

Police confirmed on Monday that Sabari, 62, was thrown into Sungai Padang Terap with his hands bound and mouth taped.

Sabari had been missing since Sept 4, and his burnt car was found in Belantik, Sik.

The search involved personnel from the civil defence force, the marine police, the police, as well as the fire and rescue department.

Efforts to get further information from Kedah police chief Fisol Salleh have been unsuccessful.