Keningau: Two teenage boys who were reported missing after being swept away by strong currents in Sungai Pegalan, Kampung Bakti here yesterday, were found dead today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre reported that the body of the first victim, Jasti Gomen, 16, was found at 10.34 am, while the second victim, Khend Rommel Ponce Caceres, 13, was discovered at 3.55 pm. The Water Rescue Team (PPDA) found Jasti Gomen 50 metres from where he was swept away, while Khend Rommel Ponce Caceres was located 80 metres away.

The bodies of both victims were handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for further action, and the search and rescue (SAR) operation was called off at 5 pm. The incident occurred around 2.30 pm yesterday when the victims were reportedly bathing with friends and fell off the riverbank, being swept away by strong currents.

JBPM received an emergency call at 3.15 pm yesterday and initiated an initial search but had to suspend the operation at 6 pm due to adverse weather conditions and fading daylight. The SAR operation resumed at 9 am today, divided into two search sectors, covering a three-kilometre stretch of the river surface. A specialised diving operation was conducted by five members of the Kuala Penyu PPDA, beginning at 10.30 am.

A total of 15 JBPM personnel from the Keningau and Kuala Penyu Fire and Rescue Stations were deployed to the scene. The SAR operation also involved seven PDRM personnel, 13 Keningau Civil Defence Force personnel, and five members of the local volunteer group Galon Star.