Man drowns after jumping into a river to chase his cow

BELURAN – A 29-year-old man reported missing while chasing his cow out of a river on Thursday was found drowned in Sungai Sugut, Kampung Botition here.

The victim, Mohammad Nizam, was found at 11.25pm ​​yesterday at the location where he was reported missing.

Beluran Fire and Rescue Station chief Rastam Keladi said they received a report on the incident at 6.19pm.

He said that based on the report, the victim and his cousin known as Azalie, 34, drowned while swimming as they tried to get the cow out of the river.

“They were swimming in the river to chase the cow to the land, and the cow was meant to be put into its barn.

"The victim's cousin managed to swim to the riverbank and saved himself before being sent to the Nangoh Health Clinic by the public for further treatment," he said when contacted by Sinar Harian on Saturday.

However, Rastam said the drowned victim did not have time to swim to the riverbank and was reported missing in the incident.

“Search and rescue efforts were carried out immediately and the public spotted the victim’s body floating in the river.

"The victim was pronounced dead by the police and the body was taken to Beluran Hospital for further action," he said, adding the operation was terminated at 11.50pm.