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TANJUNG MANIS: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for Awang Indera Awang Mahmud, 45, who fell from an express boat at the mouth of Sungai Paloh last Saturday, has been temporarily suspended. Authorities will resume the search if new evidence or clues emerge.
A spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s (JBPM) Operations Centre (PGO) stated that the decision was made after discussions with relevant agencies and the victim’s family members.
“At 2.18 pm this afternoon, the search area was expanded to an 11-kilometre (km) radius from the location where the victim was feared to have fallen. The search covered the Kedang and Baun Rivers using surface water search techniques. However, no signs of the victim were found,” the spokesperson said.
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At 3.00 pm, the SAR team, together with agencies involved, local villagers, and the victim’s family members, gathered at the Kampung Paloh jetty to discuss the situation.
“At 4.14 pm, after a joint discussion, it was agreed that the SAR operation would be temporarily suspended. However, if any new information or clues regarding the victim’s whereabouts are discovered, the operation will be reactivated immediately,” the statement added.
The unfortunate incident occurred last Saturday when Awang Indera was reported to have fallen from an express boat at Muara Sungai Paloh. Despite extensive efforts by the SAR team, no trace of him has been found as of this report.
The authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or relevant information to assist in locating the missing individual.