SIBU: A local man said to be suffering from mental illness is feared to have drowned after he fell into the Rajang River yesterday (Aug 29).
The unfortunate incident was witnessed by the victim’s sibling around 5.15 pm near Esplanade Sibu, Jalan Maju here.
The victim is identified as Moses Yong Jia Wan, 22 and is a disability (OKU) card holder.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said firemen from Sibu central station were promptly deployed to the scene following a distress call.
The team launched the search and rescue (SAR) operation using surface searching and grappling iron techniques before temporarily suspending it due to nightfall.
The SAR operation continues today with a 5-km search radius from where the victim had fallen.
A total of 18 rescuers from various agencies such as the Civil Defence Force (APM), police and marine police are involved in the operation.
As at press time, the victim is yet to be found.
