IPOH, Dec 23- A policeman who was swept away by strong currents while bathing in an irrigation canal at Jalan Utama Changkat Lada, near Kampung Gajah, was found drowned this morning.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (Operation) Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad, in a statement said, the body of Muhammad Taufik Sayuti, 39, was found around the canal's bank, approximately 3.04 meters from the Fire Control Post (PKB) at 4.55 am by on-duty personnel.

"The victim was retrieved using a bucket stretcher, webbing straps, and rescue ropes. The body was handed over to the police for further action," he said in the statement.

Yesterday, Sabarodzi said a police corporal was feared drowned after being swept away by strong currents while swimming with his friends in the area.

Sabarodzi added the victim, who worked at the Melaka Tengah district (IPD) Police Headquarters, had attended a reunion with former students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Changkat Lada.