Body of drowned 10-year-old retrieved, hair stuck on wood in the river

KOTA MARUDU - The girl who was swept by current in Sungai Melangkap yesterday was found dead about seven kilometres away from where she was reported missing in an incident in Kampung Melangkap Darat here.

The victim, Elzanatira Asod, 10, was found by the villagers and security forces at 11.50am today after noticing her hair that got stuck on a wood floating in the river.

Kota Marudu Fire and Rescue Department chief Rony Sikawan said the second day of the search and rescue (SAR) operation started at 7am along the river, where she was reported missing.

"During the search, the villagers found the victim's pants about two kilometres from where the victim was last seen.

"The victim was later found by the villagers, firemen and other agencies about seven kilometres away, and her hair was stuck on a wood,” he said when contacted by Sinar Harian.

He added that the victim was pronounced dead and the body was handed over to the police for further action.

"The SAR operation ended at 12.30pm," he said

Earlier, Sinar Harian reported that the victim was feared to have drowned when she was swept away by the current as she crossed the river with her mother while on their way home on Friday.

The victim’s mother managed to get to the riverbank.