SANDAKAN – Three people died after a water surge swept away a group of 15 who were river trekking in Lembah Maksina, Makuau in Lahad Datu, yesterday.
The bodies of a 58-year-old woman, a 44-year-old man, and a male guide were found under logs in the river at about 1.47am today, the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department said.
Of the 12 survivors, three managed to get to safety by themselves. Meanwhile, nine others were rescued by department personnel in a search-and-rescue operation launched after the Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call at 8.28pm yesterday.
The survivors are aged between 29 and 52.
Among the group of 15, four of them were guides leading 11 Malaysian trekkers who worked at a palm oil company in Lahad Datu.
Two company staff were among the fatalities.
Meanwhile, Lahad Datu police chief Dzulbaharin Ismail in a statement today said that the river trekking activity had no approval or permission from the Forestry Department and the Fire and Rescue Department.
Dzulbaharin added that the location of the activity was within the Sulabukan forest reserve – where entrance without permission was an offence punishable by law.
“The river trekking activity is challenging and requires physical and mental strength. The participants need to walk and swim while wearing life jackets at all times.
“People are advised to be mindful when conducting challenging activities such as this. They must get approval from the relevant agency and inform the police.
“They should also be aware of the dangers of a water surge when conducting water-based activities,” he said. – May 6, 2024.