KOTA BELUD: An elderly man was found dead after allegedly drowning while cast-net fishing in a river near Kampung Rajunah here on Tuesday morning.
The 70-year-old victim was discovered by members of the public at about 7.30am, with the fishing net still entangled around his body.
Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station Chief PKPgB Elge Bakuk said the station received an emergency call from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) at 10.54pm on Monday reporting the victim missing.
“Based on preliminary information, the victim reportedly left his house at about 5.30pm on Monday with a fishing net and headed towards the river.
“Firefighters arrived at the scene at 11.07pm and immediately initiated a surface search operation along the riverbank,” he said.
However, darkness hampered the search that night, forcing the operation to be suspended at 12.20am.
Elge said when the search and rescue (SAR) operation resumed on Tuesday morning, the team was informed that the victim had already been found by members of the public.
“The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Health Ministry (KKM) medical personnel before the body was handed over to the police for further action,” he said.
The operation involved eight personnel from the Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station, assisted by two police officers, and concluded at 8.45am.
