BATU GAJAH: A septuagenarian drowned while fishing in a pond with his friends in Kampung Piandang Siputeh here this morning.
The body of Lee Kok Kwong, 77, was found stuck to the fishing net about 11.45am, more than one hour after he was reported missing.
According to Batu Gajah fire and rescue station operations chief Hamadan Mat Piah, Lee's friend suspected he fell into the pond after he saw the victim's hat floating in the pond.
He said a search was immediately mooted and firemen conducted surface search using a gripping iron.
"During the operation, the gripping iron got stuck to the net. We went to check and found the victim stuck to his net.
"We pulled him out and surrendered him to the police for further actions," he said.
The operation was called off just after noon.