Kuala lumpur: A Public Works Department (JKR) employee is feared to have drowned after falling from a boat and being carried away by the strong currents in the Kampung Kedaik river area, Rompin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Rompin District Police Chief Supt Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi reported that the victim, identified as 44-year-old Saharudin Harun, was last seen at approximately 10 am. The police received a report about his disappearance at 10.20 am on the same day.

The incident occurred while Saharudin and a friend were fishing in the area. While returning to a floating house, the boat’s propeller became entangled in a net. This mishap led to Saharudin, who was seated at the front, falling overboard and being swept away by the river’s current.

His companion attempted a rescue, but the boat’s engine failed to start. Consequently, he had to row to a nearby floating house to alert the villagers and seek assistance.

A search and rescue operation has since been launched by the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in collaboration with the local police to locate the missing JKR staff member.