Three children drown in Sibujaya sewage pond

SIBU (Feb 4): Three children were found drowned in a sewage pond about 100 metres from the Sibujaya flats here in a tragic incident that has once again raised concerns over safety at restricted areas.

The victims, believed to be local residents, were discovered in the pond despite the area being fenced off by authorities.

It is understood that the children had allegedly sneaked into the site to play before the incident occurred.

Sibu Fire and Rescue (Bomba) chief Andy Alie said his station received an emergency call at 4.03pm and immediately dispatched firefighters to the scene.

“Upon arrival, our team found that three children had been brought to the side of the pond by members of the public in an unconscious state,” he said when contacted.

“All three victims — two girls and a boy — were later confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics,” he said in a statement.

The victims were later identified as Mac Devdynne Sharie Merdeka, 12; Mac Welwait Merdeka, 9; and Danielle Arissa Tayas Maringgai, 10.

Andy said the sewage pond had been fenced, but gaps and weak points may have allowed easy access, especially for children.

He urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant and to closely monitor their children’s whereabouts, particularly in areas with potential hazards such as ponds, construction sites and drains.

“Children are naturally curious and may not understand the dangers around them. Parents must ensure their safety and advise them not to enter restricted or dangerous areas,” he stressed.

Andy also called on the relevant authorities to regularly inspect and strengthen safety measures at such locations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.