KUCHING: The discovery of an unidentified man’s body in Sungai Midin, Semariang, prompted a prolonged recovery operations, with authorities forced to contend with hazardous river conditions before the remains were finally retrieved late at night.
Members of the public had alerted authorities after spotting the body along the river in Petra Jaya at around 8.50 am yesterday on Saturday (Jan 31).
A joint team from Padawan district police headquarters (IPD) and Petra Jaya fire station was dispatched to the scene to carry out recovery efforts.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said the operations had to be suspended when the body was found lodged among mangrove wood, while the river was identified as a known crocodile habitat, making it unsafe for personnel to enter the water.
A second recovery attempt at 3.30 pm was unsuccessful as conditions remained dangerous, while a third attempt planned for the evening was postponed due to persistently high water levels.
After continuous monitoring and once the water subsided, firefighters assisted by police resumed the operations at around 9.00 pm.
Padawan Police Chief Supt Mohd Irwan Hafiz Md Radzi said the body was successfully retrieved at 9.30 pm, more than 12 hours after the initial report.
“The remains were taken to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for post-mortem examination and further action. The case has been classified as sudden death,” he said.
Members of the public with information related to the case or who may be missing a family member are urged to contact investigating officer ASP Muhammad Yarshar Abdullah at 019-8885866, Batu Kawa police station at 082-463411, or the Padawan IPD operations room at 082-862233.
