IPOH: the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has rescued three 16-year-old boys on a sampan who drifted out to sea due to bad weather.
Perak MMEA director Capt Mohamad Shukri Khotob said the teenagers were found about 3.2 nautical miles southeast of Pulau Katak at about 8.25pm on Wednesday (March 4).
He said the boys were in waters near Pasir Panjang in Manjung at around 6.55pm.
"We received information via the 999 emergency hotline, activated Ops Carilamat and dispatched a boat to the location," he said in a statement on Thursday (March 5).
Mohamad Shukri said weather conditions during the operation were rough, with northwesterly winds of between 30km and 40km per hour.
"Waves were about 1.5m to 2.5m high, with thunderstorms reported in several areas, increasing safety risks at sea," he said.
He added that the boys were taken to Marina Island jetty before being reunited with their families at about 10.10pm.
Mohamad Shukri said the swift activation of the search and rescue operation enabled the boys to be located quickly.
"This shows that the MMEA is always prepared to respond to emergencies at sea," he said.
He also advised the maritime community to check weather conditions before going out to sea.
"They should wear safety vests and bring functioning communication devices to prepare for emergencies.
"We also advise parents and family members in coastal areas to remain vigilant about their children's whereabouts and ensure they do not go out to sea without supervision," he said.
The public can contact the 999 emergency hotline or the Perak MMEA operations centre at 05-683 8737 for maritime emergencies.
