How Did a Boat Capsize in Strong Currents Near Tanjung Manis, Leaving One Man Missing?

Quick answer: A 28-year-old man was reported missing after the boat he was riding in capsized in strong currents in a river near Kampung Hulu Paloh, Tanjung Manis, Sarawak, on Sunday 1 November 2026. Two other people on board — the boat driver and a passenger — survived after being rescued by villagers.

Key facts

• What: Boat capsizing
• Where: A river near Kampung Hulu Paloh, Tanjung Manis, Sarawak, Malaysia
• When: Sunday 1 November 2026, in the afternoon
• Reported toll: One man missing and two survivors; no confirmed death toll was stated
• Source: The Star, reporting Bernama

What happened

A spokesperson for the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department Operations Centre said the missing victim has been identified as Musliman Mohammad, while the two survivors are the boat driver and a passenger.

"Initial information indicates that the boat capsized due to strong currents. The boat driver and one passenger were successfully rescued by villagers, while another victim remains unfound," the spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday night.

The department received an emergency call at 5:52pm. A team from the Tanjung Manis Fire and Rescue Station then headed to the Tanjung Manis Police Station to gather further details about the incident.

What happens next

Acting on police instructions, the search and rescue operation for the missing victim is scheduled to begin at 8:00am on Monday 2 November, with the involvement of several relevant agencies.

Boat safety

General safety points for small-boat travel:

• Check weather warnings and river conditions before setting out, and do not travel in strong currents.
• Wear a lifejacket, and make sure children do too.
• Do not board a boat that is overloaded, and follow the instructions of the boat operator.
• In an emergency, call the local emergency number and give the exact location as soon as it is safe to do so.

Source: The Star — https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/01/boat-capsizes-in-strong-currents-near-tanjung-manis-one-missing

Frequently asked questions

How many people were on the boat?

Three people were on board, according to The Star: the missing 28-year-old man, the boat driver and a passenger. The driver and the passenger survived.

Where did the boat capsize?

In a river near Kampung Hulu Paloh, Tanjung Manis, Sarawak, where strong currents were reported.

What caused the boat to capsize?

Initial information indicated that the boat capsized due to strong currents. No further cause was stated in the report.

When will the search resume?

The search and rescue operation is scheduled to begin at 8:00am on Monday 2 November, acting on police instructions, with several relevant agencies involved.