KOTA KINABALU: A search and rescue operation has been launched following the disappearance of a six-year-old autistic boy in Batu Putih, near Menggaris in Kinabatangan on Saturday afternoon (June 21).
The Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 5.14pm reporting that the child, identified as Mohammad Aqeef Al Tarmiezy Arman, had gone missing while playing near the riverbank.
According to station chief Hairi Utoh, villagers began searching for the boy from as early as 2pm, combing the nearby area until 6pm, but he has yet to be found.
Two firefighters were deployed to the location, some 14km from the station, arriving at 5.47pm.
As of now, no other agencies are involved, and the operation remains ongoing.
Mohammad Aqeef, who is diagnosed with autism, was last seen near the river and is believed to have wandered off without anyone noticing.
Those with relevant information are urged to contact the Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue station or Hairi at 017-861 6619.
