Two Children Drown After Family Car Plunges Into River in Port Dickson
A tragic incident in Port Dickson, Malaysia, has claimed the lives of two siblings after their family car rolled into Sungei Linggi. The victims, an eight-year-old boy and his six-year-old sister, were unable to escape the submerged vehicle.
According to local police, the children had been resting inside the car with their father’s girlfriend while their father stepped out for a smoke. Despite the engine being switched off, the car suddenly rolled down the riverbank into the water. Members of the public managed to rescue the woman, but the children remained trapped.
Rescue teams from the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and the Marine Department were deployed. The girl was pulled from the vehicle around 1:24pm, followed by her brother at 1:47pm. Unfortunately, both were pronounced dead at the scene by medical officers.
Police Arrest Father and Girlfriend
Investigations took a grim turn when authorities discovered inconsistencies in the accounts given by the 46-year-old father and his partner. Both were arrested later that evening and placed under remand to assist with investigations.
Police confirmed that the father has a lengthy criminal history, with 16 prior records including several unresolved fraud cases. His girlfriend, however, was found to have no criminal record.
Urine tests conducted on both returned negative results. Still, suspicions deepened when it was revealed that the car involved in the tragedy had been reported missing earlier. Authorities have since classified the case under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which relates to murder investigations.
Questions Over Children’s Religious Status
Beyond the criminal investigation, attention has also turned to the burial arrangements for the two children. The Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) has been tasked with verifying their religious status before funerals can take place.
The children’s father claimed they had converted to Islam in Kelantan, but checks revealed no records to confirm this. No documentation was found in Negeri Sembilan either. Officials explained that they require a police report from the biological parents to establish the children’s religious standing, which will then guide burial proceedings.
Post-mortem examinations were conducted at Port Dickson Hospital, though no next-of-kin attended. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to piece together the circumstances that led to the tragic deaths.