KOTA KINABALU: A search and rescue operation in Keningau has recovered the body of a 16-year-old boy, while rescuers race against time to locate a missing 13-year-old after both were swept away by strong currents in Sungai Pegalan.
The victim, identified as Jasti Gomen, 16, was found at 10.34am on Sunday (Aug 23) in Kampung Bakti—just 50 metres from where the duo reportedly fell into the water. Rescuers are still searching for 13-year-old Khend Rommel Ponce Caceres.
According to the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the boys were standing along the riverbank when they suddenly fell in and were quickly carried off by the current.
Family members were alerted to their disappearance shortly after and immediately contacted the police.
The APM Keningau District Operations Control Centre first caught wind of the incident via social media at 7.24pm on Saturday (Aug 22). First responders arrived at the scene by 7.39pm to meet with the victims' families and verify the report.
A joint search and rescue team comprising 29 personnel—seven police officers, nine firefighters, and 13 APM officers—remains deployed at the scene, supported by specialised vehicles and an ambulance.
