KOTA KINABALU: The body of a six-year-old girl, the last missing victim in a tragic drowning incident in Sandakan, has been found.
The discovery brings an end to the three-day search operation.
Sandakan fire station chief Severinus Sainkui said local fishermen found the girl’s body near Pulau Berhala at 5.44pm on Tuesday, some 3km away from where she was last seen.
“The victim was handed over to the rescue team before her family identified her later the same day,” he said in a statement.
In the tragedy that took place in the early hours of Sunday, a 29-year-old mother took her two children, aged five and six, out to sea.
Witnesses saw her holding her children’s hands before they all went under the water, prompting nearby passers-by to rush in to save them.
Rescuers saved the woman, but her 22-year-old cousin – who also jumped in to help – vanished underwater with the two children.
The mother’s motive is still unknown.
Those struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts are encouraged to seek help through available support services, including the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392), Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 via WhatsApp), Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre (011-1959 8214 via WhatsApp) and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, or visit www.befrienders.org.my for more information).
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