Pulai Chondong: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a man feared drowned after reportedly falling into a river in Kampung Maka Joh, Pulai Chondong, will resume tomorrow. Machang Fire and Rescue Station chief Assistant Supt Ahmad Alfarra Mohamad Zin stated that no leads have been found so far in the search for Muhammad Khairul Naeim Che Deraman, 29.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, an emergency call was received at 3.40 pm yesterday, prompting the deployment of a team of 16 personnel, which included the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) and the K9 Detection Dog Unit, to the scene. ‘The search along the riverbanks and surface has continued since yesterday, with additional assistance from the PPDA Pengkalan Kubor today, but there are still no clues to the victim’s whereabouts,’ Ahmad Alfarra said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Machang police chief Supt Ahmad Shafiki Hussin reported that police received a report at 12.43 pm Wednesday from the victim’s elder brother, stating that he was last seen on the riverbank on Tuesday night and is believed to have fallen in. The search efforts cover a 5.3-kilometre stretch of Sungai Kelantan from Kampung Maka Joh to Kampung Mata Ayer; however, no signs of the victim have been found.

Police have opened an investigation paper under the Police Inquiry Paper (KEP) and will continue search efforts pending further developments.