TAMPARULI: A 5-year-old boy with autism, feared missing since last Sunday in Kampung Bahagia Dua here, was found dead by the river, about 3.5km from his home.
The body of Muhd Aniq Faiz Muhammad Ashraf was discovered among a pile of bamboo floating by the river at around 12.20pm on Thursday.
Tuaran District Police Chief Superintendent Noraidin Ag Maidin confirmed the discovery of the victim.
The search and rescue (SAR) operation that began on April 20 was terminated at 1.15pm on the fifth day, Thursday.
“The rescue team found the victim and was declared dead by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) at the site of discovery.
“The body has been taken to the Forensic Unit of Tuaran Hospital for further examination,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
He also advised the public to always be mindful of personal and family safety, including monitoring the movements of their children.
The police thanked all parties involved, including the public, who worked hard to assist in the SAR operation.
Meanwhile, the Tuaran District Fire and Rescue Station Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mohammad Nor Amit said the victim’s body was found while the rescue team was using the water rafting search method in the river area.
“The rescue team then retrieved the victim’s body after confirming he was the missing boy and handed it over to the police for further action,” he said.
Last Sunday, the victim was reported missing by his family when he was not found in the house around 1.30pm.
The search around the house was unsuccessful, as they only found the victim’s doll in the yard before lodging a report.
The SAR operation was expanded daily, involving agencies such as the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Marine Police Force (PPM), the Malaysian Civil Defense Force (APM), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Kiulu Tourism Association, and members of the public.
