A teenage boy who was reported missing and feared drowned while swimming at Bagan Lalang Beach in Tanjong Sepat was found dead on Sunday evening after an extensive search and rescue operation lasting nearly four hours.
The victim, identified as 17-year-old Mohd Akhil Zamani Sanusi, was located at approximately 6.50pm by the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) of the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department.
Senior Fire Officer II Mohamad Issmanto Md Pono said the teenager’s body was discovered through a diving operation around 300 metres from the shoreline and about 10 metres from the spot where he was believed to have gone under.
Medical personnel from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) confirmed the victim’s death at the scene before his body was handed over to police for further investigation.
According to Mohamad Issmanto, firefighters received an emergency call regarding the incident at 3.18pm. Preliminary information indicated that the teenager had been swimming with several friends along the beach when the tragedy occurred at about 3.10pm.
A search and rescue operation was launched immediately upon the arrival of emergency responders. Teams conducted surface searches and deployed rescue boats before the victim was eventually located by the PPDA diving unit.
The operation involved 15 firefighters from the Sepang Fire and Rescue Station, with additional support from PPDA units based at KLIA, Shah Alam and Port Klang. Several other agencies also assisted in the mission, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), and the Kuala Langat Municipal Council’s Rapid Response Unit (MPKL).
The incident serves as another heartbreaking reminder of the dangers posed by coastal waters, particularly during recreational activities, as authorities continue to urge beachgoers to remain vigilant and prioritise safety at all times.
