Two cousins drowned in the river in Bukit Jernih picnic area here, Saturday.

They are Zalika Izzati Johari, 15 and her seven-year-old cousin Muhammad Afiq Aiman Abdul Hamid.

Padang Besar police chief Supt Che Man Md Dros, when contacted, confirmed the incident, saying that it occurred at 4 pm.

The two cousins were from Kedah and had been spending their school holiday at their grandfather's house in Guar Medang Gatal.

They were said to have gone to Bukit Jernih picnic area to take a swim before having breathing difficulties and drowned.

Efforts taken by passers-by to save the two victims were to no avail.

Their bodies were taken to Tuanku Fauziah Hospital for post mortem