Teen feared drowned after telling friend he couldn't swim

MELAKA: An 18-year-old man is feared drowned after vanishing while swimming at a Prima Klebang beach today. His companion, Hakeem Putra Mahadi, also 18, recounted the incident occurring at 3pm when the two, friends since Form One, were together at the beach. Hakeem stated the man in question, a college student, had previously informed him he was unable to swim.

Upon their arrival, they were the only individuals present, except for a fisherman. Hakeem revealed that his friend had assured him he could not swim, despite his father's earlier claims that he could. As Hakeem's friend suddenly seemed to be in distress and disappeared beneath the waves, Hakeem attempted to rescue him but was unsuccessful, promptly dialing emergency services.

The Melaka Fire and Rescue Department received an urgent call at 3.03pm and dispatched a team led by Operations Commander Senior Fire Officer I Mohd Soffian Hassan. The operation, involving 14 personnel from the Melaka Tengah Fire and Rescue Station, included the Water Rescue Team and support from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and police. The victim's whereabouts remain unknown.