Missing Indonesian man feared drowned near Sibu found dead in Sarikei

The team conducting SAR operations along the Rejang River up to Batang Rajang. Photo credit: Bomba

by DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Jan 17: A 44-year-old Indonesian man who was feared drowned after falling into the Rejang River near Sibu was found dead on Friday (Jan 16), bringing a three-day search and rescue (SAR) operation to an end.

The body of the victim, identified as Muhaji, was discovered floating in Sungai Ulu Lepa near RH Dadat, Bintangor, Sarikei about 69 kilometres from the initial incident location.

According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), at about 10.30am yesterday (Jan 16), authorities received information from members of the public regarding a body found floating in Sungai Ulu Lepa. The discovery was later confirmed by Meradong district police at 1.05pm.

Identification conducted at Sarikei Hospital at 1.37pm confirmed the body to be that of Muhaji.

Following confirmation of the victim, the Lanang district police chief ordered the closure of the SAR operation at 4.45pm. The SAR team subsequently returned to their station at 5pm.

The victim was first reported missing on Jan 14 after he fell into the Rejang River near Jalan Upper Lanang, Sibu.

Based on a police report, the incident occurred on Jan 13 at around 6pm when a colleague of the victim saw Muhaji preparing to bathe before falling into the river from the sand vessel where he worked.

Search efforts include surface water methods, covering downstream and upstream areas of the Rejang River up to Batang Rajang within a seven-kilometre radius.

The operation involved four personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, utilising one Hilux vehicle and one boat. Other agencies involved included the Marine Police, Lanang police, the Civil Defence Force (APM), and the Sarawak River Board. – DayakDaily