KOTA TINGGI – A holidaymaker from Singapore has gone missing off the Desaru coast in Johor.
According to Masri Ibrahim, operations commander of Penawar Fire and Rescue Department, the incident was reported at around 12:30 pm on December 27.
“A 49-year-old man and his teenage son were enjoying recreational activities on the beach. Witnesses said the man was swept away by the current and could not be found,” he said in a statement.
“His 16-year-old son was rescued by members of the public before we arrived at the scene.”
Penawar Fire and Rescue Department official Rohimin said the missing man was identified as Isaac Kelvin Tan Lee Tong.
His son, Gabriel Tan Wei Ping, was conscious and taken to Kota Tinggi Hospital for treatment.
Tan’s wife was also at the scene but was not in danger, Penawar fire officials said.
According to the New Straits Times, the father and son were swimming in the Desaru waters in front of The Westin Desaru Coast Resort.
In response to inquiries from The Straits Times, the resort said it had followed “required safety protocols”, including providing medical assistance for guests.
Hotel management declined to release the names of the missing persons, citing guest confidentiality policies.
Masri added that red flags were raised on the coast to warn people against activities near the water.
Penawar Fire and Rescue Department officials said search and rescue operations involving two other rescue teams in Mersing and Sungai Lengit have been put on hold and are expected to continue in the early hours of December 28.
ST has contacted Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.Star/Asia News Network
Additional reporting by Wallace Woon, Lok Jian Wen