PETRA JAYA, April 11 – A 34-year-old man, identified as Haffiz Abdullah Sapwan, is feared to have drowned after allegedly jumping from the Tun Salahuddin Bridge early this morning.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said in a statement that it received a distress call through the MERS 999 emergency line at 9.29 am reporting a possible suicide attempt at the bridge.
By the time emergency responders arrived, the man was no longer visible. Eyewitnesses at the scene informed authorities that the victim had jumped from the bridge before any help could reach him.
A rescue team from the Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), led by PBK II TBBK I Asmadi Nawi, reached the scene at 9.38 am and immediately confirmed the incident. The operations commander activated the Fire Control Post and launched a full search and rescue (SAR) mission.
Initial investigations suggest that the victim may have been dragged away by the strong river currents. As of now, his whereabouts remain unknown.
JBPM stated that the SAR efforts are still ongoing with the support and cooperation of several other relevant agencies. The operation includes water surface searches and monitoring of downstream locations where the current may have carried the victim.
This incident has raised concerns over mental health awareness and public safety at high-risk areas such as bridges. Authorities urge members of the public who may be experiencing emotional distress to seek help through appropriate mental health services.
The Fire Department assured that updates on the operation will be shared with the public as new developments arise.
