Elderly man drowns while fishing in Pontian river, nine-year-old survives

THE body of a 65-year-old local man, reported missing after going fishing at Sungai Kampung Parit Bugis yesterday morning, was recovered at 10.30pm last night.

Superintendent Hadzrat Hussien Mion Hussain, Chief of Police for Pontian District, confirmed that the deceased, Tan Siang Fook, was located by search and rescue (SAR) teams.

“He was found floating along the riverbank towards Pontian Besar by several locals who had joined the search. He had left for fishing in a boat around 9.30pm,” he said.

Preliminary examinations indicated that Tan was fully clothed and had no visible external injuries. His body was taken to the Forensic Unit of Hospital Pontian for post-mortem.

The incident came to attention after a young boy was discovered alone on the Kampung Parit Bugis bridge, reporting that his father had fallen into the river.

The boy, identified as Chong Hao Chen, aged nine and Tan’s adopted son, was found by locals with wet clothing.

Hadzrat explained that Tan and Chong had set out from Jeti Bumbung Biru at Tanjung Ayer Hitam Kayu Ara Pasong at 8am for a day of fishing.

“Approximately 800 metres from the jetty, the 20-horsepower motorboat they were in struck a crossbeam in the middle of the river, causing both to fall into the water,” he said.

Despite the accident, Chong Hao Chen managed to save himself by holding onto the boat until reaching the riverbank.

The SAR operation involved coordination between the Royal Malaysia Police, Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia, Water Rescue Teams (PPDA), and the Malaysian Armed Forces.

“The rescued child was handed over to his next of kin, and Hospital Pontian was informed of the incident.

“Members of the public are advised to prioritise safety, including wearing life jackets during any water-based activities, to prevent such unfortunate events,” Superintendent Hadzrat Hussien Mion Hussain added.

The tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards of river activities and the critical importance of safety precautions, particularly for small children and the elderly. - February 23, 2026