JERANTUT: The 14-year-old boy reported missing while fishing at Sungai Pahang is believed to have slipped into the water after stepping on a zinc piece at the raft house below Jerantut Feri bridge yesterday.
Azri Fahmi Bahiudin Zaiful Afandi was fishing at the floating raft house owned by the Jerantut district council when he was swept away by strong currents around 5pm.
District police chief Superintendent Zukri Muhammad said the Jerantut police station was alerted about the incident at 5.15pm before a team was mobilised to the scene.
"The victim was reported missing after fishing at the raft house. He is believed to have stepped on the excess part of the zinc flooring at the unit before falling into the water.
"Search and rescue (SAR) operations began at 5.45pm with assistance from firemen, Civil Defence Force (APM) members and villagers. Due to the dark surrounding the operation was called off about 8pm yesterday and resumed about 8am today."
The fire and rescue department's Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) members have conducted dives at the site.
"Two K9 dogs have been brought to assist with the search operations using boats, and along the riverbank," he said, adding more than 30 SAR members were involved in the operation today.
It was reported yesterday that Azri Fahmi Bahiudin was fishing with two friends when he fell into the water.
Meanwhile, state Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer Zulfadli Zakaria said villagers who were familiar with the area had volunteered in the search and rescue operation.
"Some 20 villagers have been searching using their own boats along with assets owned by the police, fire and rescue department, and APM. So far, the six PPDA divers have performed three dives but have yet to locate the victim," he said, adding SAR is ongoing.