Bota kiri: A man is feared drowned after jumping into Sungai Perak to retrieve his boat, which had drifted away from his fish cage at Batu 18, Kampung Kuchai, near Bota Kiri, yesterday. Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director (Operations) Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the department received a distress call about the incident at 5 pm, prompting the mobilisation of personnel from the Seri Iskandar, Parit and Kampung Gajah Fire and Rescue Stations (BBP) to the scene.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, he said the teams arrived at 5.25 pm and were informed that the 38-year-old man had jumped into the river to retrieve his boat, which had drifted away from his fish cage in Sungai Perak. 'The victim's nephew tried to help, but was unsuccessful in rescuing him,' he said in a statement today.

Sabarodzi said firefighters, assisted by members of the public, conducted a surface search of the river at 5 pm and 9.45 pm, but the victim had yet to be found. He said a Fire Control Centre (PKB) was set up at the Lambor Kiri Pump Station to coordinate the search operation.

'The search operation resumed at 8 am today with the assistance of four members of the Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) from the Teluk Intan BBP and four PPDA members from the Pulau Pangkor BPP. The K9 Special Team will also assist in the search for the victim,' he said.