A businessman who tried to stop a man from hijacking his car by hanging on to its door handle, died when he fell and was dragged by the vehicle for about 20 metres.

Kota Kinabalu police chief, ACP Jauteh Dikun said in the incident around 8.40am today, the 66-year-old victim had just returned from the market and was opening the gate to his house at Taman Golden City here, when the suspect approached and entered his car.

"The victim tried to hold on to the door handle of the vehicle as the suspect drove away but fell onto the road and then dragged for about 20 metres," he said when contacted by Bernama.

Jauteh said the remains had been sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for post-mortem, while police were hot on the heels of the suspect to facilitate investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code.