The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has deployed Frankie, a detection dog from its K9 Unit, to help locate 14-year-old Muhamad Rayyan Hakimie Mohd Yusmiza, who is feared to have drowned in Sungai Kelantan.
JBPM Kelantan Operations Division assistant director Mohd Fadhlizil Ikram Ahmad Pauzi said Frankie was among the resources being used to search for the Form Two student along the riverbank as the search and rescue (SAR) operation entered its third day.
He said the search radius had been extended to four kilometres, with the operation beginning at 8am on Thursday. Rescue teams were focusing on searches along the river as well as diving operations at several locations identified as potential areas of interest.
The incident involved two 14-year-old Form Two students, Muhamad Rayyan and Luth Naiman, who were believed to have gone swimming with three other friends in Sungai Kelantan near Kampung Batu Mengkebang, Jalan Batu Lada, Aur Duri, on Tuesday.
Luth Naiman was found at about 9.10am on Wednesday, around 50 metres from the location where he was believed to have gone missing. The search has since continued for Muhamad Rayyan, with rescuers expanding their efforts across a wider stretch of the river.
Mohd Fadhlizil Ikram said 63 personnel and volunteers from JBPM, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (Rela) and local residents were involved in the SAR operation. Twelve boats have also been deployed to cover the search area.
The Water Rescue Team (PPDA) has also been mobilised, with six personnel from the Machang, Pengkalan Kubor and Pengkalan Chepa Fire and Rescue Stations carrying out diving operations at selected locations.
However, the search has been hampered by strong river currents and rising water levels, which have made it difficult for rescuers to move through the area and conduct searches, particularly along the riverbed.
Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams are continuing the operation using various search methods, including K9 assistance, boat searches and diving efforts, in the hope of locating Muhamad Rayyan.
