An 11-year-old boy tragically drowned after being carried away by strong currents into a retention pond at Taman Bidara Permai yesterday afternoon.
According to Melaka Fire and Rescue Department Zone 2 chief, Fire Superintendent Zulkhairani Ramli, the victim’s body was found at 8.35pm—over two hours after search and rescue efforts began—approximately 600 meters from his last seen location.
He said the Water Rescue Team from the Masjid Tanah and Melaka Tengah fire stations located the boy, whose body had gotten caught on tree branches and debris, preventing it from being swept further. Medical personnel confirmed his death at the scene before he was transported to Alor Gajah Hospital.
The emergency call was made at 5.47pm, following which a team from the Masjid Tanah Fire Station was dispatched. Members of the public had informed rescuers that the boy fell into a drain and was then swept away by strong currents resulting from heavy rain.
Due to dangerous water conditions, a rapid deployment approach was used to prevent the body from being carried beyond the immediate vicinity and to expand the search area quickly.
The operation involved five officers and 14 personnel, including 10 Water Rescue Team members, and concluded at 10.14pm.
