According to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), two teenage boys reported missing after being swept away by strong currents in Sungai Pegalan at Kampung Bakti in Keningau were found dead following a multi-agency search and rescue operation. The victims were identified as 16-year-old Jasti Gomen and 13-year-old Khend Rommel Ponce Caceres.
Search and Rescue Timeline at Sungai Pegalan
The incident occurred around 2.30pm when both teenagers were bathing with friends before falling off the riverbank into the fast-moving water, according to Bernama reports. The Sabah JBPM Operations Centre received an emergency call at 3.15pm, prompting an initial deployment that was suspended at 6pm due to fading daylight and worsening weather conditions.
Operations resumed at 9am the following day across two search sectors spanning a three-kilometre river surface stretch. Five members of the Kuala Penyu Water Rescue Team (PPDA) initiated a specialised diving operation at 10.30am to comb the depths.
Discovery of the Victims
Rescuers located the body of Jasti Gomen at 10.34am, approximately 50 metres from the spot where he was swept away. The second victim, Khend Rommel Ponce Caceres, was found later in the afternoon at 3.55pm, about 80 metres from the initial incident point.
According to official statements, both bodies were handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for further processing before authorities officially called off the search operation at 5pm.
Did you know?
The multi-agency response involved a total of 15 JBPM personnel from the Keningau and Kuala Penyu stations, alongside seven PDRM officers, 13 Keningau Civil Defence Force personnel, and five volunteers from the local group Galon Star, as reported by Bernama.
Contrasting Reports and Initial Response Details
Coverage of the timeline varied slightly across local reporting outlets. While Bernama noted that JBPM received the initial emergency call at 3.15pm, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) recorded that its Keningau District Operations Control Centre first caught wind of the disappearance via social media at 7.24pm on Saturday, with first responders arriving at the scene by 7.39pm to meet with the victims’ families, according to reporting by The Star.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred in Sungai Pegalan at Kampung Bakti in Keningau, Sabah.
How many personnel were involved in the search?
According to Bernama, the operation deployed 15 Fire and Rescue Department personnel, seven police officers, 13 Civil Defence Force personnel, and five local volunteers.
Were the victims found together?
No. Jasti Gomen was found at 10.34am about 50 metres from where he fell, while Khend Rommel Ponce Caceres was located at 3.55pm roughly 80 metres away.