IPOH: Two young brothers were found drowned in a retention pond near a construction site at Lebuh Perindustrian Sin Yong Seng in Taman Chemor Ria here.
Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the two primary schoolchildren, aged eight and nine, were found in the pond by passers-by on Wednesday (Aug 20) at about 8.30pm.
"Initial investigation found that both victims had gone to the construction site near their rented home to play prior to the incident.
"Both victims were sent to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital for emergency treatment but were declared dead at about 9.40pm," he said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 21).
"The post-mortem report found that both died from drowning," he added.
ACP Abang Zainal Abidin said checks conducted found that the construction site was not boarded up and had no warning signs to deter people from entering.
He said the case would be investigated under Section 33 of the Children Act as there were elements of neglect of the children.
"We would like to advise people to always prioritise their children's safety, especially when near risky locations like rivers, pools, ex-mining ponds or construction sites.
"Developers or contractors are also reminded to adhere to safety regulations by putting up fences and warning signs to prevent any untoward incidents," he said.
"Those with information about the incident are to contact investigating officer Insp P. Munesuwari at 016-592 1325 or any nearest police stations," he added.
