Two Siblings Die In Kadamaian River Drowning Tragedy Near Kota Belud

KUALA LUMPUR,MAY,2026 – A family outing near the Kadamaian River in Kota Belud, Sabah, ended in tragedy after two brothers were found drowned near the Melangkap Home Stay Polumpung View Camp Site area.

The victims were identified as Zul Hakim Abdullah, 23, and his younger brother Daniel Abdullah, 18. The incident was first reported on Saturday morning, May 16, after both brothers were believed to have gone missing while at the river near a recreational campsite in Melangkap Baru.

According to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department, the department received information about the incident at 9.26am before rescue personnel were deployed to the scene. The first victim, Zul Hakim, was found at 10.18am along the riverbank, about 300 metres from the location where he was reported missing.

Zul Hakim was pronounced dead at the scene by a Ministry of Health medical officer before his body was handed over to police for further action. His younger brother, Daniel, was still missing at the time, prompting authorities to continue the search and rescue operation along the river.

The search for Daniel continued into the following day. His body was later found on Sunday, May 17, ending the two-day search operation. The discovery confirmed that both siblings had died in the river tragedy, turning what was believed to be a recreational outing into a heartbreaking incident for the family.

Earlier reports said Daniel was believed to have been swept away by strong currents while in the river. Zul Hakim was believed to have tried to save his younger brother before he too drowned. The circumstances have made the incident especially painful, as the elder brother is understood to have lost his life while attempting to rescue his sibling.

Fire and rescue personnel conducted surface water search operations along the river after confirming that the two victims were believed to have drowned. The initial search focused within a one-kilometre radius from the incident location before the operation was expanded as authorities continued looking for Daniel.

Daily Express reported that the emergency team arrived at the scene at about 10.01am, with the location estimated to be around 30 kilometres from the Kota Belud fire station. The operation involved firefighters from the Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station, assisted by police and health personnel.

The Kadamaian River area is known among visitors for its natural scenery and recreational sites, including campsites and homestays around Melangkap. However, the tragedy has once again highlighted the hidden dangers of river activities, especially when water currents become strong or unpredictable.

River conditions can change quickly due to weather, rainfall upstream or uneven riverbeds. Even areas that appear calm on the surface may have strong undercurrents, sudden depth changes or slippery rocks that can put swimmers at risk.

The deaths of the two brothers have drawn public sympathy, especially because the incident involved siblings and an apparent rescue attempt. Such cases often serve as a painful reminder that trying to save someone in strong currents can be extremely dangerous without proper rescue equipment or trained assistance.

Authorities generally advise the public not to jump into fast-moving water during an emergency unless they are trained to do so. Instead, bystanders are urged to call emergency services immediately, throw floating objects if available and avoid putting themselves at risk.

The tragedy also underscores the need for visitors to be cautious when visiting river-based recreational areas. Families and groups are advised to check weather conditions, avoid swimming after heavy rain, monitor children and teenagers closely, and follow any safety instructions provided by campsite operators or local authorities.

For recreational operators, incidents like this may also raise the need for clearer warning signs, emergency response plans, designated safe bathing areas and readily available life-saving equipment at popular river locations.

The case has now been handed over to police for further action after both bodies were recovered. The search and rescue operation was ended once authorities confirmed that both missing victims had been found.

The Kadamaian River tragedy has left the community in mourning and serves as a strong reminder about river safety, especially during group outings at recreational sites. What began as a normal visit to a scenic riverside area ended with the loss of two young lives, leaving family members and friends grieving the deaths of two brothers who were found drowned within two days.