Harian Metro reported that beachgoers found the 40-year-old man and informed civil defence force (APM) personnel on duty nearby.

According to APM officer Raja Andik Irwan, the discovery was reported at 1pm.

“Witnesses said they found an object resembling a doll but were afraid to go near it. So they came to inform us.

“I rushed to the location about 100m away.

“The object was found to be the body of a man. Inspections found he had already died,” he said.

Raja Andik said the victim was likely a Thai fisherman who went missing after the boat he was on with several friends sank.

“I contacted friends of the victim in Takbhai, Thailand, to confirm the victim’s identity. They said the victim had gone out fishing at 5am and managed to let them know that his boat was damaged.

“Another victim, a 34-year-old, has yet to be found. The Thai authorities have started a search for him,” he said.

Raja Andik said the victim’s body was handed over to the police for further action.