Student feared drowned while bathing in river

KUANTAN: A student of Kolej Vokasional Kuantan is feared drowned after being swept away by strong currents while bathing with 16 friends at the Kampung Pasir Kubor picnic site at Sungai Lembing, here today.
In the 11.10am incident, the friends of Muhammad Haziq Hamdi, 19, did not manage to rescue the victim due to the sudden presence of the current.
Pahang Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Mohd Sani Harul said six personnel from the Indera Mahkota Fire and Rescue Station were rushed to the scene soon after the department received a distress call at 11.20am.
"The victim, from Balok Maju Park in Kuantan, came to the picnic area with his friends since 10am following the weekend break.
"However, he did not realise the presence of water column while bathing, causing him to be swept away by the strong currents," he said when contacted, here today.
Mohd Sani said the department's Water Rescue Team (PPDA) and volunteer fire-fighting squads were also deployed to assist in the search-and-rescue operation. — Bernama