Panic triggers 7-hour sea search for Bangladeshi labourer

A Bangladeshi labourer sparked a seven-hour search-and-rescue operation in Tanjung Lumpur after jumping into the sea during an Immigration Department inspection at a construction site. The 25-year-old man swam about 5km and hid in the nearby jungle for several hours before being found safe at his workers' quarters at 5.30pm. The operation involved over 20 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, including its Underwater Rescue Team and drone unit, as well as police and the Civil Defence Force.

The man had panicked upon seeing the enforcement personnel and jumped into the sea, despite possessing a valid travel and work permit.

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