MERSING, March 7 – A Perodua Myvi car that was swept away by a strong current on Jalan Nitar Utama here this morning was found by members of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) at a distance of 15 meters from the location where it was reported missing. Operations commander, Assistant Fire Chief Abdul Muiz Mukhtar said the car was found upside down by the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) at 6.55pm this afternoon. However, he said, the fire brigade has not yet been able to ascertain the condition of the victim, who is believed to be a woman.
“The work of bringing the victim into the car is underway, but the condition of the victim has yet to be ascertained,” he said in a statement tonight. Meanwhile, Mersing District Police Chief, Superintendent Abdul Razak Abdullah Sani in a separate statement confirmed the incident. He said at the time of the incident, the 23-year-old victim was believed to be on his way from Mersing to Kluang and had been driving on a flooded road before being swept away by the current along with the vehicle he was driving.
Abdul Razak said the search and rescue (SAR) operation had been set in motion since 11 this morning as soon as information was received from the Malaysian Emergency Response System (MERS) 999. This operation involves 27 officers and members from the Mersing District Police Headquarters and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Endau and Mersing as well as the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) JBPM Skudai,” he said. He also advised all road users to always be aware of the flood situation and obey the instructions issued by the authorities for the safety of themselves and property. – BERNAMA
