KOTA KINABALU: An 11-year-old boy has died after being swept away by strong currents while fishing in the Rampayan River near Kampung Dombung, Manggatal, yesterday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 3:05 PM, when Akil Hamizan Ahmad, the victim, went to the river with nine friends from the same neighbourhood.
According to Kota Kinabalu’s District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Kasim Muda, the boy and one of his companions ventured too close to the water and were suddenly carried off by the current.
Upon realising what had happened, the other children quickly alerted people nearby for assistance.
Officers from Manggatal Police Station responded immediately after receiving the report.
The Lintas Fire and Rescue Team arrived at approximately 4 PM and located the boy at 4:17 PM.
Emergency responders performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene before transporting him to Likas Hospital via ambulance.
Despite medical efforts, he was declared dead at 5:46 PM by hospital staff.
Assistant Commissioner Kasim expressed his condolences to the family and emphasised the importance of parental supervision, particularly when children are near rivers or other bodies of water.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and aware of potential dangers, noting that river currents can shift suddenly and without warning. Investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still ongoing.
Source: Sabah Media
