MIRI: The body of an 11- year-old boy who fell into a Laku’s raw water storage basin at KM15 Lambir, Miri-Bintulu road on Friday afternoon, has been found.
According to Miri Bomba Fire chief Zone 6 Supt Law Poh Kiong, the body was found at 2.54pm by Bomba water rescue unit (PPDA).
Teams from Miri and Lopeng Fire Stations were also mobilised to the scene in response to an emergency alert on the incident at 12.16pm.
The deceased has been identified as Hairil Iskandar.
Hairil’s body has been handed over to the police for further action.
He was a Primary Five pupil of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Lambir.
According to sources, the deceased and his three other friends had reportedly gone to the area that day.
Unfortunately, when Hairil attempted to wash his feet, upon arriving at the scene, he lost his balance and fell into the water storage basin.
His three friends tried pulling him out from the water storage using ropes but to no avail.
The raw water storage basin has a depth of 23 feet.
Meanwhile, in a press conference held late Friday evening, Laku Management Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Franklin Ucar clarified that the incident took place at Laku’s raw water storage basin and not at its treated water plant.
The actual water treatment plant is located about 2km from the raw water storage basin.
“The area is a gated property, and outsiders are prohibited from entering the area,” he said.
He added, preliminary investigation revealed that the children had gained access into the fully gated area via fences that were cut.
“Laku management is deeply saddened by the incident and would like to extend our condolences to the family,” he said.
