SIBU: A 52-year-old man was electrocuted when he used an aluminium pole to pluck dabai fruit (known locally as 'black olives') in Jalan Lukut, Kanowit on Friday (Sept 10).

       The victim, identified as Ting Siew Kiong, died after the aluminium pole touched a power cable near a tree.

       Kanowit Fire and Rescue Department chief Arrahman Chik said they received a distress call from the public concerning a man stuck up a dabai tree at 3.59pm.

       "Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters found a man stuck in a tree about 10m above the ground in a state of unconsciousness," he said.

       After getting the utility company to cut the electricity supply, firefighters had to use a hydraulic skylift crane cage machine to reach the victim.

       "The victim was taken down by the fire brigade at 6.20pm but was confirmed dead by a medical officer at the scene," he added.

       The victim's body was then handed over to the police for further action.

       Kanowit OCPD Deputy Supt Tega Bilong said the victim was a retailer and vegetable seller.

       "The case is classified as sudden death due to electric shock," he added.