KOTA TINGGI: A man is missing while another drowned after both went for a swim near a Pantai Batu Layar chalet here.
Punggai Fire and Rescue Department operation commander Mohammad Saifulizam Mohd Rofi said that the department received a call regarding the incident at 9.38am on Sunday (July 21).
He said that the body of 26-year-old Muhammad Syahmie Zamzam was found at 3.19pm approximately 100m from the shore while 20-year-old Haqim Abdul Rahim is still missing.
“The two men were swimming at the beach and are believed to have drowned; they were reported missing about 5km away from the shore.We have conducted a search and rescue (SAR) operation around 2km from where the victims were last seen,” he said.
He added in a statement that the search for Haqim is still ongoing.
On the search, Johor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Tanjung Sedili acting director Maritime Commander Mohd Najib Sam said the victim was seen flailing their arms in the water before being pushed away by waves at about 9.30am.
“The body of Muhammad Syahmie was found near the shore and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was then brought to Kota Tinggi Hospital for further action.
“The search location now covers seven nautical miles (12.9km) and will be expanded depending on the weather,” he said.
Mohd Najib added that the MMEA, Fire and Rescue Department, police, marine police, Pengerang Municipal Council, and the public are all involved in the SAR operation.
Meanwhile, Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Hussin Zamora has confirmed the incident and said that a press statement will be issued soon.
