First fishing trip together ends in tragedy for father of only child

BATU PAHAT: A 10-year-old child drowned while fishing on an offshore fishing platform (kelong) at Pantai Sungai Lurus, Senggarang.

According to Johan Ali, 55, his only child had asked several times to join his fishing trips at sea, but he had not allowed it due to bad timing and conditions since he usually went fishing at night. However, he decided to fulfil Mohammad Adam Dani's request as he planned to fish in the daytime on Thursday (Nov 2).

"My late son, who loved fishing, used to fish near our home, mostly in drains and small rivers," he told reporters at the Forensic Unit at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital (HSNI) on Friday (Nov 3).

Johan added that losing Mohammad Adam Dani deeply affected him and his wife, Marzalina Yusof, 40, as Johan had been the source of their happiness.

"The thing I will remember the most is that he was a dutiful son to us; he was diligent in his prayers and often invited me and my wife to pray together," he said.

Meanwhile, Batu Pahat district police chief ACP Ismail Dollah confirmed the incident, adding that the police received a report around 6.30pm on Thursday, stating that the victim fell into the sea.

He said the victim, who followed his father on a fishing trip, sought refuge in a hut on a kelong about 60 metres away from where his father was fishing. The victim was discovered missing around 5.30 pm.

"The victim's father suspected his son fell into the sea. He immediately went to the Senggarang police station to file a report, and the police and Fire Department conducted a search and rescue operation with help from the public.

"The body was found at 9.15 pm last night (Thursday) and taken to HSNI for post-mortem. It has been classified as a sudden death," he added.- Bernama