A MAN is feared drowned after he was swept away by strong currents in Sungai Tanum while descending with a group of climbers from Gunung Tahan in Kuala Lipis today.

Lipis police chief Azli Mohd Noor said his force was informed of the incident involving the climber identified as Haniff Harun, 47, from Kampung Paloh Haji Daud in Kuala Terengganu, at 2.20pm today.

“The victim is understood to have been with nine other climbers, accompanied by a mountain guide and porter, using the access route in Merapoh.

“They started the climb on Friday and were expected to descend on Tuesday, but were forced to turn back to Kuala Juram due to bad weather,” Azli said in Kuantan today.

Azli said the group had to cross a river about 20m wide during their descent.

A search activated this afternoon involved police and firefighters, including a mountain cave search and rescue team, but has so far only located the victim’s gear near the scene of his disappearance. – Bernama, January 22, 2023.