Sunday picnic turns tragic for two friends as one drowns

TUARAN - What meant to be a fun Sunday picnic at Kampung Rugading, Kiulu here for two friends turned tragic when one of them drowned at about 4pm today.

The 26-year old victim was confirmed dead by medical officers while his 27-year old friend was rescued by the public.

Tuaran Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Abd Qawie Abdul Gapar said the department received the distress call regarding the incident at 4.22 pm.

He said a total of eight personnel were rushed to the scene, located 24 km away from the station.

“The victim was found at the bottom of the river by villagers who dived in to look for him.

“He was confirmed dead by the medical team.

“The friend was rescued not far from the location of the drowned victim and was given initial treatment by the Emergency Services Relief Unit at the scene,” he told Sinar.

He added that the victim's body was handed over to the police for post-mortem while the survivor was sent to Tuaran Hospital for further treatment.

"The operation ended at 6.15pm," he said.