NABAWAN: A 38-year-old drowned after he fell into Sungai Penawan in Kg Sinsingon, Sapulut, while helping to search for a missing girl.
The victim had joined a group of villagers to volunteer in a search and rescue (SAR) operation, but he slipped and fell into the river on the second day of the operation on Wednesday.
His body was found by Fire and Rescue Department personnel and villagers, Friday, about 10km from where he fell.
According to the Sook Fire and Rescue Department, the man was helping to locate a victim from a family tragedy that occurred on Tuesday.
A boat carrying a family of five sank, killing a mother, 26, and her son, 9, whose bodies were found the same day.
Her seven-year-old daughter is still missing at press time with the search entering its fourth day Friday.
The father, 36, and his five-year-old son managed to save themselves and survived.
The Department said the family was returning home when their boat sank due to strong river currents.
Officer Mukim Atah led 12 firemen to the location about 66km away after receiving a distress call at 1.14pm.
The SAR operation launched on the same day was assisted by the Keningau Fire and Rescue Department, the K9 Unit, the police, Civil Defence Department, and villagers.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.