BINTULU: A search and rescue (SAR) operation is ongoing to locate a local man, who was swept away by strong currents while crossing the Sibiew River here on Friday (May 2).
The victim, 48-year-old Mawa Lembang, was reportedly using a homemade boat to get to his workplace at around 5 am when the incident occurred. He has not returned home since.
According to witnesses and a police report, Mawa was last seen being swept downstream by strong currents during heavy rain.
His family and members of the public carried out an initial search party and only found the victim’s oar near the Jepak Bridge.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said they received an emergency call regarding the incident at 2.41 pm yesterday (May 3).
Firefighters from Bintulu station were dispatched to the scene near the squatter homes in Kemunting to assist in the search.
At the time of writing, the operation is ongoing and Mawa remains unaccounted for.
