LABUAN — An eight-year-old boy who was reported missing and feared drowned in the Ganggarak River at Ganggarak Permai here yesterday afternoon, was found dead today.
Labuan District Police Chief Supt Wan Mohd Firdaus Wan Zaki said the victim’s body was discovered by the Search and Rescue (SAR) team at 3.33 pm, leading to the complete termination of the operation.
He said the police were alerted to the incident at 6.54 pm yesterday (June 17).
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was at a playground with several friends before running towards the nearby river. A friend who tried to stop him witnessed the victim slipping and falling into the water.
“Attempts to rescue the boy were unsuccessful due to the swift river currents,” he said in a statement tonight.
A SAR operation was subsequently launched, involving 68 personnel and machinery from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the Civil Defence Force (APM), the Volunteer Fire Brigade, and local residents.
Wan Mohd Firdaus added that the victim’s body has been sent to Labuan Hospital for a post-mortem and further action. The case has been classified as a Sudden Death Report (SDR).
Labuan police extended their condolences to the victim’s family, hoping for their resilience during this difficult time, while also expressing appreciation to all agencies and civilians involved in the SAR efforts.
Wan Mohd Firdaus also advised parents and guardians to consistently monitor their children’s activities, particularly near high-risk areas like rivers and beaches, to ensure their safety and prevent untoward incidents.
