Siblings feared drowned while bathing in canal

PASIR SALAK: Two brothers, one just six years old, were believed to have drowned while bathing in a canal at Peringkat 10 Felcra scheme, Changkat Lada here today.
Lokman Abd Samad, 20, and Mohamad Raihan, 6, were believed to have been swept off by swirling waters while bathing with another family member, Kamarudin Abd Samad.
Perak Tengah District Police chief Supt Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said in the incident at noon today, the three were swept off by swirling waters and tried to swim to the side of canal.
"The two victims drowned as they almost reached the side of the canal, Kamaruddin tried to save them, but lost his hold on them," he said when contacted here today.
Mohamad Zainal said five police staff and four firefighters rushed to the location for the search and rescue operation as soon as they received a report of the incident.
"The Drainage and Irrigation Department were also called to help by closing the gates of the canal to reduce the water," he said.