TAMAN PRIMA SAUJANA: DROWNING: YOUNGER BROTHER DIES IN HOSPITAL, ELDER BROTHER STILL MISSING - POLICE

KAJANG, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- A boy who was feared drowned after falling and being swept away by a strong current with his older brother while attempting to retrieve a ball from a large drain at Lorong 1/3A, Taman Prima Saujana, was confirmed dead at Kajang Hospital tonight.

Kajang District Police Chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof, confirming the matter, said the 12-year-old victim was found by the search and rescue (SAR) team about two kilometres from the location where they were reported to have fallen.

"The boy was found unconscious in Sungai Kantan and was given emergency aid at 7:47 pm before being taken to Kajang Hospital for further treatment.

"But sadly, I regret to inform you that at 10 pm tonight, he was pronounced dead," he said in a press conference at the scene here tonight.

He added that the search and rescue operation is still ongoing to find the victim's older brother, who is 14 years old.

The SAR operation involves a force of 35 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

Naazron said three teams have been formed to carry out the search in the area up to the confluence with Sungai Langat.

“So far, we have yet to find the second victim. God willing, as long as the weather conditions permit, we will continue the search. If conditions do not allow it, we may temporarily halt and resume tomorrow morning.

"We hope and pray that we can find the older brother who is still missing as soon as possible to facilitate all related matters," he said.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director of the Selangor JBPM Operations Division, Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar, said the search radius is within five kilometres from where the victims fell.

“The methods we are using include wading through the water. We have formed three teams, including one Water Rescue Team (PPDA). In the area where the first victim was found earlier, we were also assisted by one Fire Department K9 Unit," he said.

Hulu Langat Member of Parliament Mohd Sany Hamzan was also present to follow the development of the SAR operation and expressed his appreciation to all personnel and local residents involved in assisting the operation.

-- BERNAMA