A Singaporean hiker drowned on Saturday (Feb 6) while hiking Gunung Tahan, a Malaysian report said.

He was swept away by a column of water while attempting to cross the Sungai Kuala Luis, The New Straits Times (NST) reported on Monday (Feb 8).

District police chief Superintendent Abdul Razak Hassan told NST that Mr Nawaz Marican, 43, was part of a 25-member team of hikers.

In response to queries, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the high commission in Kuala Lumpur was informed of Mr Marican's death on Sunday. It informed his family immediately and is providing them with consular assistance.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," the Ministry said.

Mr Marican and the other hikers were attempting to cross the river at about 5pm on Sunday when he was struck by a column of water.

The other hikers alerted the police and launched a search and rescue operation along with the tour guides and firemen.

Mr Marican's body was found "some 5km from the spot he was last seen about 7.30pm", Mr Abdul said.

"Police have alerted the embassy to inform the family and make arrangements to send the body to Singapore for funeral," NST quoted him as saying.

Mr Marican had joined the group of 21 Malaysians and three other foreigners to scale Gunung Tahan.

A friend, Mohamed Rafee, posted on Facebook that Mr Marican is survived by his wife and "three young boys".

"He is missed and losing a friend suddenly is haunting," Mr Mohamed wrote.

At 2,187m, Gunung Tahan in Taman Negara National Park, Pahang, is the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia.