KUCHING, Nov 8 — Two siblings are feared drowned after their boat was hit by strong waves in Sungai Kuala Belawai, Sarikei, about 350km from here this morning.

Kuching deputy police chief DSP Dominic Josip said the missing persons were identified as Abdul Rahman Sabri, 44, and his sister, Zainon,41.

They together with sister Daimah,40, were returning home after tending to their vegetable farm in Semalau, Belawai.

He said Zainon was sitting in the boat while trying to balance her body before she slipped and fell into the river.

“On seeing what happened, Abdul Rahman jumped to rescue his sister but both were swept away by strong currents,” he told Bernama, here today.

Daimah could only watch his brother and sister disappeared in the water as she could not swim.

Josip said Daimah rowed the boat to her house across the river and then sought help from the villagers.

“The police received a distress call from the villagers at 11.30 this morning and arrived at the scene 40 minutes later.

“However, until 5pm, the two siblings are still not found,” he added.

Ten boats from the Marine Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department and the Civil Defence Department are involved in the search and rescue operation. — Bernama