TAMPARULI – A five-year-old autistic boy who had been reported missing since Sunday was found dead earlier today near a riverbank, approximately three kilometres from his home in Kampung Bahagia Dua, Tamparuli.
The body of the victim, identified as Muhd Aniq Faiz Muhammad Ashraf, was discovered at around 12.20 pM wedged among floating bamboo debris along the river.
Tuaran Fire and Rescue Station Chief, Senior Fire Superintendent Mohammad Nor Amit, said the discovery was made during the fifth day of the search and rescue (SAR) operation, which commenced at 8.30 a.m. this morning.
“The body was found during a water rafting search method conducted along the river area,” he said. “Rescue personnel retrieved the victim, who was confirmed deceased at the scene, and handed over the remains to the police for further action.”
The SAR operation was officially concluded at 1.15 pm
The tragic incident began on Sunday when the victim’s family realised he was missing from their home around 1.30 pm. Despite an immediate search around the house, they only found his toy doll in the yard. The family then alerted the authorities, prompting a full-scale multi-agency search.
More than 100 personnel were involved in the operation, including teams from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Marine Police (PPM), Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), NGOs such as Jalinan Kasih, members of the Kelab Drone D’Bayu, Kiulu White Water Rafting team, and local volunteers.
The community mourns the loss of the young child, and authorities have extended their gratitude to all who assisted in the extensive search effort. -MalayaDailyToday
