KOTA BELUD: An elderly man who was reported missing after going out fishing in the river near his home in Kampung Rajunah, here, on Monday evening, was found drowned yesterday.
The victim, identified as Togoi Tawan, 70, was found by members of the public about 1.5 kilometres from his home at 6.39am.
Kota Belud District Police Chief, Superintendent Khairul Shah Peri said the victim reportedly left the house at about 4.40pm carrying a net towards the river near his house.
However, he said, the victim’s family members began to worry after it was discovered that the victim had not returned home until 9pm before filing a police report.
“At the time of the incident, it was raining, causing the water level in the river to rise and the current to become strong.
“The search operation was carried out together with the fire brigade, but was forced to be postponed at night due to darkness,” he said when contacted yesterday.
According to him, the police rushed to the location after receiving information from the public regarding the discovery of the victim.
He said the victim was later confirmed dead by medical officers who were also present to assist at the location.
“The victim’s body has been sent to Kota Belud Hospital and a post-mortem will be conducted at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, to identify the cause of death.
“The case is classified as sudden death (SDR),” he said. – Fardy Bungga
Firefighters transporting the body onto a police vehicle.
