By Aida Aziz
Photo JBPM Perak
TAIPING: A teenage boy who was reported to have drowned after swimming with friends in Sungai Pecah Batu, Trong, yesterday afternoon was found to have slipped while crossing the river.
According to Taiping District Police Chief ACP Mohamad Nasir Ismail, the preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, Muhammad Aqif Mikhail Ali Arafat, 15, was swimming in the river with two friends.
The victim slipped while crossing the river and was swept away by the strong current.
“Police received a call from a member of the public at 5:27 PM reporting the drowning incident.
“Police, along with the fire department and Trong Health Clinic personnel, rushed to the scene,” he said on Sunday.
Mohamad Nasir stated that the victim was rescued by bystanders and first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), was administered, but the victim remained unconscious.
“The victim was confirmed dead after an examination by health officials,” he said.
He advised the public visiting recreational areas, especially rivers, to ensure their safety and that of their families.
He stressed the importance of taking appropriate safety measures to prevent accidents, particularly during the rainy season when flash floods are common.
On Saturday, the media reported that the joy of several teenagers swimming in Sungai Pecah Batu, Trong, ended in tragedy when one of them was found to have drowned.
