SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) had lost a good councillor following the untimely demise of Andy Ting King Dieng, 43, says its chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh.

       In his statement posted on Facebook, he said King Dieng had always been a positive and helpful person.

       "King Dieng was an integral part of the SMC councillors team, he was the vice-chairman of the social community development committee," he said.

       Ing Horh said he learned of the tragic news at about 8am that King Dieng’s car hit a road barrier near a hotel at Lanang Road before plunging into the Batang Rajang River.

       A team of Fire and Rescue Department divers retrieved King Dieng’s body on Friday afternoon (May 27).

       He said the both of them had met, along with other councillors, yesterday to review the Borneo Cultural Festival's budget and promised to meet again after Gawai.

       He said King Dieng's love for organising events was always evident in his enthusiasm.

       "My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I will miss you. May you rest in peace," he added.

       The Sibu Sentral Fire and Rescue Department said it received a call at about 12.40am.

       Its chief Suna Kahar said divers managed to locate the car at about 2.55pm and lifted it at 3.49pm with a crane before retrieving the body at about 4.04pm. - Bernama