MELAKA: Strong currents pose a potentially deadly threat to swimmers at reclamation sites along the Klebang coast here, warned Datuk Lim Ban Hong after a 16-year-old boy went missing in the waters.
The Klebang assemblyman said swimming and other beach recreational activities were prohibited at these sites because of the risks, particularly to children.
He said more warning signs were needed to deter beachgoers from entering the reclamation areas.
"I will work with the local authorities to put up more signs reminding the public to stay away from the shoreline at these sites,” he said after visiting the search and rescue operation for the teenager on Thursday (Sept 3).
Lim also urged the public to exercise greater caution around beaches and coastal waters, particularly during the school holidays.
“I have asked local community leaders to warn beachgoers against entering these prohibited sites,” he said.
In the incident at about 3pm on Wednesday (Sept 2), the victim identified as Muhammad Arif Daniel Nizamuddin was believed to have entered the reclamation area with a friend to look for crabs before swimming further from shore.
The teenager is a student at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution and the younger of two siblings.
Meanwhile, Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Halim Abas said based on the account of the friend who was with him, the teenager was believed to have been swept by waves into deeper waters before disappearing from view.
He said the first day’s search involved Fire and Rescue Department divers covering an area of about 900 sq/m, divided into two zones and two sectors.
The search, ACP Halim said, continued until 7pm on Wednesday, but the teenager had yet to be found.
"The operation was temporarily suspended overnight before resuming at 7am on Thursday (Sept 3),” he said, adding that the search is ongoing.
