A male student is feared to have drowned while taking part in an activity at Balok Beach near Maahad Tahfiz Turath on Friday, in an incident that has drawn concern over safety during outdoor school programmes.
Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Assistant Director, Mohd Salahuddin Isa, said an emergency call regarding the case involving the 16-year-old victim was received at 6.02pm. Following the alert, a team from the Gebeng Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was immediately dispatched to the scene to initiate search and rescue (SAR) operations.
He added that search efforts were carried out along the shoreline with assistance from members of the public. The Water Rescue Team (PPDA) from Kuantan BBP was also notified to support the ongoing operation, reflecting a coordinated response among emergency units.
Meanwhile, Beserah State Assemblyman Datuk Andansura Rabu shared in a Facebook post that the victim was believed to have been participating in a school activity alongside a group of students under teacher supervision at the location. Incidents such as this often highlight the unpredictable nature of water conditions, particularly in coastal areas.
According to him, tragedy struck when the victim and two other students encountered difficulties while attempting to cross the Sungai Balok estuary during high tide. While two of the students were successfully rescued and taken to hospital for further checks, the victim remains missing and is feared drowned.
Search operations are continuing with the involvement of rescue personnel from the Gebeng Fire and Rescue Station and other assisting agencies. Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious near water bodies, especially during high tide conditions, as efforts remain ongoing to locate the missing student.
