Missing autistic boy found dead in river 500m from Kupang home

BALING: A sombre atmosphere enveloped the home of the family of Mohamad Fayyad Affan Mohd Fakhri, a 4-year-old child with autism, after his body was discovered on the afternoon of March 31, Sinar Harian reports.

Mohamad Fayyad Affan had been reported missing for three days after leaving his home near the JPS Quarters, Kampung Landak Paya, Kupang.

The Malay language daily reported that the victim was found in a river about 500m from his home by relatives and villagers who were searching for him at around 2:50pm on Monday (March 31).

The Baling Fire and Rescue Station chief Asst Fire Supt Zulkhairi Mat Tanjil told Sinar Harian that they received an emergency call about the incident and rushed to the location.

According to him, monitoring and patrolling had been conducted from morning until noon by a team from the Baling Fire and Rescue Station.

After the team returned to the station, the victim’s uncle and eight other relatives continued the search around the river area and eventually found him.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the team was tasked with retrieving the victim’s body.

“The victim was confirmed dead and handed over to the police for further action,” he said.

He added that the operation was concluded at 4:52pm.

The body was sent to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, for a post-mortem examination.

Previously, Sinar Harian reported that the autistic child had gone missing after leaving his home on Friday (March 28).

CCTV footage recorded Mohamad Fayyad Affan walking towards the village road at about 12:50pm on the day he went missing.