A 30-year-old contractor worker died after he was electrocuted while carrying out work to install an electricity pole in Bandar Tabin Jaya, Sandakan, on Saturday night.
The victim, identified as Jai, was pronounced dead at the scene following the incident, which occurred at around 7.40pm.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Jimmy Lagung said the department received an emergency call at 7.53pm requesting assistance for a worker who had suffered an electric shock.
He said seven firefighters were dispatched to the location, which was about nine kilometres from the Sandakan fire station.
“Upon arrival, we found a man believed to be a contractor worker who had suffered an electric shock while electricity pole installation work was being carried out. The victim was still on the electricity pole when firefighters arrived,” he said in a statement.
Firefighters subsequently carried out a rescue operation to bring the victim down using specialised equipment. The electricity supply was first disconnected by Sabah Electricity to ensure the rescue could be conducted safely and without putting the rescuers at further risk.
The victim was successfully brought down and handed over to Health Ministry personnel for further examination. However, a medical officer at the scene confirmed that he had died.
The victim’s body was later handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police for further action and investigation. The operation was fully concluded at 9.41pm after the area was declared safe and no further hazards were detected.
