SIBU - Three children, including two siblings, drowned after they were believed to have fallen into a sewage pond near Sibu Jaya Flats here this afternoon.
The victims were identified as Macx Devdynne Sharie Merdeka, 12; her younger brother, Macx Welwait Merdeka, nine, and their neighbour, Daniella Arissa Tayas Maringgai, 10.
In a statement, the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said it received an emergency call at 4.03pm. Firefighters from the Sibu Jaya Fire and Rescue Station were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, fire personnel found that all three children had already been brought to the edge of the pond by members of the public.
Medical officers later confirmed that all three victims had died at the scene.
Meanwhile, Sibu Zone JBPM chief Andy Alie said the sewage pond is located about 100 metres from the residential area and is fenced.
However, he said parts of the fence were damaged and had openings that allowed easy access, especially for children. He believed the victims had entered the area to play before the incident occurred.
Andy advised parents and guardians to be more vigilant and to closely monitor their children, particularly in high-risk areas such as ponds, construction sites and drains.
He also urged the relevant authorities to carry out regular inspections and strengthen safety measures at high-risk locations to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The bodies were later handed over to the police for further action and investigation. - BERNAMA