Two men from Selangor drowned after they were believed to have been swept away by strong currents while swimming in a river near Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Tonggang, Tanjung Rambutan, Perak, on Saturday.
The victims were identified as Wan Ahmad Razani Wan Yahaya, 42, and Rishi Masdi Zaidi, 50.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department Operations Division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the department received an emergency call about the incident at 2.55pm.
A team from the Tambun Fire and Rescue Station was dispatched to the scene to carry out rescue operations and retrieve the victims.
However, firefighters had to travel approximately 600 metres through a forest trail to reach the location.
Upon arrival, they found both men unconscious beside the river, Sabarodzi said in a statement on Saturday.
The operation commander instructed the firefighters to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) before they used stretchers to bring the victims out of the area.
Medical personnel at the scene subsequently pronounced both men dead.
The victims were then handed over to the police for further action.
The operation, which was also assisted by the police, ended at 5pm.
