IPOH: A local man in his 70s met a fateful end in a swamp after the boat he was steering capsized in Kampung Sungai Tiang Baroh, near Selekoh, on Tuesday (Nov 25).
Perak Fire and Rescue Department acting assistant director of operations Shazlean Mohd Hanafiah said a team from the Hutan Melintang fire and rescue station was dispatched to the scene following an emergency call at 11.27am.
"Initial investigations found that the boat, which was also carrying four Myanmar nationals, capsized due to strong currents, resulting in all five people aboard being thrown into the water.
"The four Myanmar nationals managed to save themselves, but the boatman was swept away by the current," he said in a statement.
Shazlean said the operations team received a tip that the victim had been found in a swampy area, and firemen were able to retrieve him from the chest-deep quagmire.
"The victim was confirmed dead at the scene, and the body was handed over to the police for further action.
“The operation concluded at 4.51pm," he said. – Bernama
