By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, Aug 6: A two-year-old boy who tragically died after falling into a sewer through an uncovered manhole in Jalan Pedada here has prompted Sibu police to launch a child neglect investigation under the Child Act 2001.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, in a statement today, said two investigation papers (IPs) have been opened—one under Section 3(1)(a) of the Child Act for neglecting or exposing a child to conditions likely to cause physical or emotional harm, and another classified as a sudden death report (SDR), according to Malay Mail, citing Bernama.
The incident occurred on Monday (Aug 4), and the police were notified after a medical officer at Sibu Hospital lodged a report at 11.09pm.
“The boy was found by a fire and rescue team in a sewer and sent to the hospital.
“Upon arrival at the hospital, the victim was wet, pale and showed no signs of life, before being confirmed dead at the Sibu Hospital Emergency Unit,” Zulkipli said.
Earlier reports indicated that the toddler was believed to have fallen through an uncovered manhole in the commercial area along Jalan Pedada.
The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) received an emergency call at 6.29pm and, upon arriving at the location, was informed by the boy’s father that his son had gone missing and was feared to have fallen into the sewer system.
It was understood that the child frequently accompanied his father, who collects used cardboard boxes in the area.
During the incident, the boy had reportedly gotten out of the car to look for his father and accidentally fell into the uncovered manhole.
Police are urging anyone with information on the incident to contact investigating officer ASP Mohd Adzmei Ahmad at 019-7192529 or report to the nearest police station. — DayakDaily
