Two sisters feared drowned in Sungai Pagalan

KENINGAU - Two sisters are feared to have drowned after falling into the Sungai Pagalan river in Kampung Linkudou, near here, today.

In the incident at about 4.30pm, Azila Jabar, 12, was said to have jumped into the river to save her younger sister, Arlina, 9, who had fallen into the river.

Keningau Fire and Rescue Station chief Sharudy Delamin said they received a distress call at 5.07pm.

He said 12 firemen were rushed to the scene which was located three kilometres away from the Keningau Fire and Rescue Station.

"According to witnesses, the two children were playing on the riverbank, but one of them fell and her sister jumped in to save her.

"However, both of them disappeared, believed to have been carried away by the river's current and the incident was immediately reported to the authorities for assistance," he said when contacted today.

Sharudy said the fire and rescue team along with the police were still conducting a search and rescue (SAR) operation on the river's surface.

"Information will be updated from time to time," he said.