Man drowns while fishing at Keningau pond

Firemen and others retrieving the body.

KOTA KINABALU: An Indonesian worker drowned while fishing at a pond in Keningau district on Friday (March 17).

The 41-year-old, who could not swim, was believed to have been stuck in rocks or mud after falling into the pond.

Sabah Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Hamsa Isnurdini said they received a call about the incident at Kilang Java Batu 5, Keningua, at 7.52am.

"Our team was sent to the scene and managed to locate the victim’s body," he said in a statement.

According to Keningau fire station chief Sharudy Delamin, the victim was using a net to catch fish with a friend when he slipped and fell into the pond.

He said the friend tried to help but also could not swim.

"The friend (then) called for help. When our rescue team arrived, we used the grab iron method to search for the victim," he said, adding that this involved the use of rope and a tool to locate victims underwater.

"The body was detected some 6m (20ft) under," he added.

He said the man was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene and the body was handed over to the police for further action.

Keningau OCPD Deputy Supt Nor Rafidah Kasim confirmed the matter and said an investigation was ongoing.