ALOR STAR: A seven-year-old autistic boy who was reported missing from Taman Tunku Tabor yesterday evening was found drowned in Sungai Kedah today.
Kota Setar police chief Assistant Commissioner Siti Nor Salawati Saad said the victim, Firash Daniel Muhammad Hafeez Ansle, was discovered on the riverbank about 100m from his home.
She said a police report about the child's disappearance in the Mergong area was received at 5.40pm yesterday.
"The boy's mother noticed he was missing at 4.30pm.
"Following the report, we have mobilised a search team of 30 policemen and officers.
"Initial search operation focused on the residential area and along the banks of Sungai Kedah," she told reporters at the location where the boy's body was found today.
Salawati said the boy's body was found approximately 100m from his home at about 8.12am.
"The victim was found drowned, unclothed, and his body was taken to the Forensic Department at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) for a post-mortem examination.
She said the case has been classified as sudden death.
Earlier, police discovered the boy's clothes and slippers near a drain in front of his home, about 20m away.
"The child is believed to have been wearing a disposable nappy, but he removed it and walked towards the river before falling in," she said.
Yesterday, it was reported that the boy had gone missing near his home in Taman Tunku Tabor, Jalan Gangsa.