KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — A river fisherman is feared to have drowned after he was believed to have been swept away while attempting to swim across Sungai Pahang near Kampung Peragap, Temerloh, today.

The victim, Samsul Azmi Ishury, 41, was reported missing at about 7.30am, prompting a search and rescue (SAR) operation by the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), according to an Utusan Malaysia report today.

Temerloh Fire and Rescue Station operations commander PBK II Muhammad Lutfi Burn Abdullah said his team received an emergency call at 7.30am before deploying firefighters to the scene.

He said initial information from witnesses indicated that the victim had tried to swim across the river before being carried away by strong currents and feared drowned.

Muhammad Lutfi said search efforts are currently focused along the river with assistance from police.

He added that the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) from the Bukit Angin Fire and Rescue Station had also been alerted to assist in the operation.

Rescue operations are ongoing.