JERANTUT : A 12-year-old boy is feared to have drowned in Sungai Tembeling near Kampung Kuala Sat here, today.
Jerantut District Police Chief Superintendent Azman Mat Kassim said in the 6pm incident, the victim, Mustaqim Rizman was said to be taking a dip in the river with his friends, when he was suddenly swept away in the river.
"At this stage, the task of searching for the victim is being carried out jointly by the police, fire and rescue (department), boat operators' association and local residents.
"The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation started as soon as we received the distress call in the evening but we were forced to stop due to poor visibility as night fell. We will continue the SAR at first light, tomorrow," he said.
Meanwhile, Kuala Tahan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) Operations Officer, Mohd Azam Mohd Abdul Latif said rescue personnel rushed to the scene and carried out rescue operations using villagers' boats.
"A total of six firefighters and a fire engine were deployed to the scene to look for the child, while we also alerted the Under Water Rescue Team (PPDA) from Kuantan and Pekan;" he said.