Sekayu: A fruit trader drowned while swimming with family members during a picnic at Belukar Bukit Waterfall in Sekayu near here this evening. Hulu Terengganu police chief Supt Sharudin Abdul Wahab identified the victim as Muhammad Zahari Mohd Zain, 26, from Kampung Kelulut, Marang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, authorities received a report on the incident at 4.22 pm, prompting the Fire and Rescue Department to dispatch a team comprising one officer, three personnel, and a fire engine to the scene five minutes later. Initial investigations found that the victim visited the waterfall with 19 family members for a picnic. However, only five of them, including the victim, entered the water while the others remained by the riverbank.

The victim was found unconscious by members of the public at about 5 pm. Medical personnel at the scene later confirmed his death. Sharudin said the victim's body was taken to the Hulu Terengganu Hospital Forensic Unit for further action. He also advised the public to exercise caution when carrying out recreational activities at waterfall areas due to the current unpredictable weather conditions.