Two Form Two students are feared to have drowned after they reportedly went swimming with three other friends in Sungai Kelantan near Kampung Batu Mengkebang, Jalan Batu Lada, Aur Duri, on Tuesday.
The two teenagers were identified as 14-year-old Mohd Rayyan Hakimi and Luth Naiman Mohd Noraziron.
A local resident, Muhammad Bukhari Mohd Zawawi, 38, said his cousin, Zaidin Musa, 49, called him at around 6.30pm asking him to contact the Fire and Rescue Department.
According to Bukhari, Zaidin had been fishing in the river when three teenagers approached him for help, claiming that their two friends had drowned.
“My cousin said it was raining heavily at the time. Without wasting any time, I immediately contacted the Fire and Rescue Department for assistance,” he said when contacted.
Bukhari said the area was frequently visited by locals for swimming due to its wide sandy banks. However, he added that the location had also recorded drowning incidents in the past, with the most recent case occurring several years ago.
Meanwhile, Kuala Krai Fire and Rescue Station Operations Commander, Senior Fire Officer I Muhammad Aiman Aminuddin, said the department received an emergency call at 6.39pm.
“When we arrived at the location, it was raining heavily and visibility was limited,” he said.
He said firefighters conducted a surface search of the river, but the operation had to be suspended due to unfavourable weather conditions and would resume tomorrow.
A total of seven personnel, including officers, were involved in the search and rescue operation.
