KOTA KINABALU: The body of a polytechnic student, who was reported missing while swimming with friends at Sabandar beach in Tuaran, was recovered early Wednesday (June 1).

       Tuaran Fire and Rescue Department station chief Abdul Qawie Abdul Gapar said the victim, Md Habbibullah Juhadi, 21, was found by members of the public about 700m away from the area he went missing. He was found at 12.16am on Wednesday.

       He said a medical officer pronounced him dead. Family members who were also present at the scene identified the victim's body.

       The body was handed over to police for further action, he added.

       Qawie said that they received a distress call at 6.55pm on Tuesday (May 31).

       He said they immediately mounted a search-and-rescue operation that involved personnel from the Civil Defence Force, police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and villagers.