JOHOR BARU: A 10-year-old boy was swept away by strong currents in a roadside drain during heavy rain in Taman Kota Masai but thankfully, he was rescued by bystanders and suffered only minor injuries.
Seri Alam OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said police became aware of the incident after a viral video surfaced on Facebook, showing a child being carried away by water in a monsoon drain.
"Investigations confirmed that the incident took place around 2.30pm on Friday (April 4). The boy had been walking with a friend when he slipped and fell into the drain during the downpour,” he said in a statement on Saturday (April 5).
"He was dragged by the current for about 100 metres before members of the public managed to rescue him.".
The boy sustained only scratches to his knees and elbows, ACP Mohd Sohaimi added.
Police interview with the child revealed that he and his friend had just finished attending Friday prayers and were walking to his uncle’s house nearby when the incident occurred.
ACP Mohd Sohaimi reminded parents and guardians to remain vigilant during the rainy season, advising against outdoor activities for children during adverse weather conditions.
The viral video, posted by a user named Lanun Selatan on the Komuniti Kota Masai Facebook page, shows the boy being swept away while shouting for help.
The one-minute, 36-second clip has since circulated widely on social media.
