Former Kedah assemblyman found drowned in river after early-morning search operation

FORMER Pengkalan Kundor state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Jamil Md Idross was found dead in a river near Kampung Teluk Bagan on Sunday morning after emergency responders launched a search operation following reports that he had gone missing in the water.

The 78-year-old former elected representative was recovered from the river shortly after rescue personnel arrived at the scene, bringing a rapid but tragic conclusion to the operation.

Jalan Raja Fire and Rescue Station chief Assistant Fire Superintendent Wan Azizul Hakim Wan Jaafar said emergency services received a distress call at 7.50am, prompting the immediate deployment of a fire engine and five firefighters to the location.

Upon arrival at approximately 8am, rescue personnel were informed by members of the public that a man was believed to have drowned in the river.

“As soon as the team arrived at 8am, we were informed by members of the public that a man was believed to have drowned in the river.

“Information obtained afterwards identified the victim as the former Pengkalan Kundor assemblyman,” he said in a statement.

Firefighters subsequently began a surface-water search in the vicinity where the victim was believed to have entered the river.

The search operation lasted only a matter of minutes before the victim was located.

Wan Azizul said the body was found at 8.05am and was successfully brought to the riverbank at 8.18am.

“Victim was confirmed dead and his body was handed over to the police for further action,” he said.

The operation, which also involved two officers from the Royal Malaysia Police, concluded at 9.11am after recovery procedures were completed.

Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the circumstances leading to the incident, and the case is expected to be subject to standard police procedures and investigation.

Mohd Jamil was a familiar figure in Kedah politics through his service as the elected representative for Pengkalan Kundor, and news of his death is expected to draw condolences from political colleagues and members of the local community.

The recovery operation highlighted the rapid response by emergency services, although efforts ultimately ended in tragedy with the confirmation of the former assemblyman's death at the scene. - June 7, 2026