The missing man fell from a trap in the Igan River

MUKAH, 20 September: A man was reported to have fallen into the Igan River while working on a barge near Igan Bridge here last evening.

The Malaysian Department of Bomb and Rescue Operations (JBPM) Sarawak said the victim, Saiful Bahri, 33, was reported missing at about 6:15 p.m. before an initial search effort was made by his colleagues.

"His colleague then reported the incident to the manager before a search for the victim was conducted using a boat around the scene.

"However, the search conducted for more than an hour was not fruitful", he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, the Open Fire and Rescue (BBP) Room received an emergency call at 7.47pm before arriving on site at 8.48pm, with a four-member force using a four-wheel drive vehicle.

"On arrival at the scene, we conducted a monitoring from the bridge area with the police to get an overview of the situation and where the victim is believed to have fallen.

"As a result of discussions with the PDRM, it was decided to start search and rescue operations (SAR) today in order to track down the missing victims", he said.

The operation was also accompanied by PDRM and the Malaysian People's Defence Force (APM), while BBP Mukah operations were led by Mustpha Wasli. -TVS