Johor Bharu kadi (marriage solemniser), Mohd Fahami Abd Samad is believed to have drowned while diving on the coast of Kampung Air Batang, Tioman Island, Rompin about 150 km from here today.

Rompin district police chief DSP Azari Miskon said Mohd Fahami, 45, from Taman Mutiara Rini, Skudai, Johor was believed to have started his diving in the afternoon.

"His death was confirmed by a medical officer of Kampung Tekek health clinic, Tioman Island at 1.57 pm who also informed police on the island.

"Preliminary examination on the victim's body found no injuries or open wounds. The body was taken to Rompin Hospital for post-mortem," he said when contacted here today.

Azari said police had also recorded statements from witnesses, medical officers and diving coaches to assist in the investigation.

Meanwhile, state Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman, Tosrin Jarvanthi said the deceased was an approachable person who was well liked by the staff of Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) and the people who knew him.

"His demise was a big loss to JAINJ as he was friendly and was close to the people even when he was serving as a kadi in Kulai.

"I knew the late kadi well and his demise was a big loss," he said when contacted by Bernama,

-- BERNAMA