LAHAD DATU: A man drowned after jumping into a river to save his brother and nephew, who were swept away by strong currents in Sungai Dewata here on Tuesday.
Lahad Datu police chief Dzulbaharin Ismail said the 33-year-old man and his family were at Sungai Dewata for a picnic when his brother, aged 16, and nephew, 10, who were swimming, got into difficulties at about 11am.
The man and his two brothers-in-law jumped into the river and managed to rescue them.
However, the man’s mother then realised he was missing.
The man was later found unconscious and taken to Lahad Datu Hospital, 32km away. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 12.50pm.
Dzulbaharin advised the public to avoid recreational activities or picnics at rivers during the rainy season.
“The unpredictable weather at this time can cause the water level to rise suddenly and create strong currents that endanger personal safety,” he said.