Sarawakian seminarian drowns in Sabah, family to bring remains home

SIBU (April 8): Another tragic drowning involving a Sarawakian outside the state claimed the life of a 33-year-old seminarian from Kanowit.

His body was found early this morning in Sungai Kedamaian, Kampung Purak Ogis Supuan, Kota Belud in Sabah.

Kota Belud police chief Superintendent Shahruddin Mat Husain confirmed the case, saying it has been classified as a sudden death report with no elements of foul play.

He said the victim’s body was discovered at about 6.30am, approximately 2km from the location where he was last seen bathing, by members of the public who then alerted the authorities.

“Once the post-mortem is completed, the remains are expected to be handed over to the family by tomorrow (Thursday) the latest. We will facilitate all necessary arrangements to ease the process,” he said.

The victim, identified as Fernandez Sawing @ Andin, hailed from Rh Mungkin, Nanga Ngungun, Kanowit.

He was reported missing at about 5pm yesterday while bathing at the riverbank in Kampung Purak Ogis Supuan, prompting a search and rescue (SAR) operation.

Firefighters from Kota Belud station were deployed to the scene, carrying out searches along the riverbanks.

Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sibu confirmed Fernandez’s passing, describing him as a dedicated seminarian undergoing priestly formation in Sabah.

“He returned to the Lord on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Sabah, while undergoing his priestly formation during the Initiation Year at the Sabah Seminary,” said Chancellor Fr Alphonsus Tang Chung Tung.

The diocese said Fernandez’s dedication and willingness to respond to God’s call were a blessing to the Church and an inspiration to many, extending condolences to his family, relatives, and friends.

Family members, accompanied by Joseph Hii Teck Kwong, have flown to Sabah to bring his remains back to Sarawak.

Further details are expected following the release of an official statement from the Kota Belud district police headquarters.