PAPAR: The body of a 61-year-old man who drowned while fishing in the Benoni River here was recovered by members of the public at 9.59pm on Sunday.
Papar Fire and Rescue Station Chief Rony Sikawan said they received an emergency call at 7.09pm and immediately dispatched 10 personnel along with machinery to the scene, located about seven kilometres away.
According to the victim’s younger brother, the victim had gone out to cast fish nets at 6am on Sunday and was expected to return home by around 1pm.
However, he failed to return by late afternoon.
Concerned, his brother and several villagers launched an initial search along the riverbank, where they discovered the victim’s motorcycle and slippers left unattended.
Rony said the victim’s body was eventually found by members of the public near the location where his motorcycle was parked.
Medical officers confirmed the victim’s death at the scene. The body was subsequently handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for further action.
The multi-agency search and rescue operation also involved personnel from PDRM and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).
