KUBANG PASU: The body of 49-year-old security guard Ismail Hashim, who was swept away while fishing at a river in Kampung Paya Parit Lateh near Jitra, was discovered today.
Jitra Fire and Rescue Station chief, Senior Assistant Fire Superintendent Mohd Bustan Karudin, confirmed that Ismail's body was found caught in debris along the riverbank, about 1.5 kilometres from where he was last seen.
"The body was found at around 7.50am after nearly 36 hours of search efforts.
"The victim was found lying face down and caught in debris on the riverbank. Once recovered, his body was handed over to the police and taken to Jitra Hospital for further action," he said when met at the scene today.
In the incident at 7:15pm on Sunday, Ismail drowned while crossing the river to cast a fishing net. His wife, three children, and uncle were witnesses to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the victim's uncle, Romli Bakar, 61, expressed gratitude that the body was recovered.
"Once all procedures at the hospital are completed, the remains will be taken to Masjid Al-Fateh in Tanjung Pauh before being laid to rest at Kampung Tanah Merah," he said.
Romli expressed deep regret, saying he was unable to save Ismail despite witnessing the incident firsthand.
"When I realised Ismail was drowning, I jumped into the river to look for him. However, I could only manage about five minutes in the water, not far from the riverbank, as the current was too strong and dangerous," he added.