KUCHING: A priest was found dead in his car after it plunged into a ditch behind the Foo Chow Association Multipurpose Hall in Kapit during a flood early this morning.
Bangau Amping, 75, is believed to have skidded off the road and into the ditch.
The incident was discovered when the flash flood, caused by the overflow of the Batang Rajang River, began to subside.
The fire department received a call at 7.15am reporting a Proton Saga in the ditch.
A team from the Kapit Fire and Rescue Station was then dispatched to the scene.
A spokesperson for the Fire and Rescue Department said strong currents made it difficult for rescuers to inspect the vehicle.
However, they eventually reached the car and found Amping trapped inside.
"Firefighters broke the car window and used a rope to extricate the victim's body. After successfully removing him, the body was handed over to police for further investigation. A search of the car confirmed that only the victim was inside," the spokesperson said.
Several areas in Kapit were impacted by flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall this morning, including Selepong 3, Jalan Selirik, Bukit Goram, Simpang Utong, Taman Buluh Perindu, and Rumah Panjang Engking.