Two children and a youth, aged nine to 14 were swept away by strong currents when fishing at Sungai Puyoh near the Sungai Besi Camp here, on Monday.

To date, one of the victims was identified as Josnual Usin, 10.

Sungai Besi Fire and Rescue Department Senior Operations Commander Assistant Superintendent C. Arul Chselven said there were eight individuals fishing and bathing in the river when the incident happened at about 5:30 pm.

"Suddenly, they were swept away by strong currents but five managed to escape. Till now, three are believed to have drowned but no bodies have been found. The search and rescue operation is still going on," he told reporters at the scene of the incident.