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MELAKA - What began as a joyful swim for two friends at Pantai Klebang here turned to panic after one of them was feared to have drowned in an incident on Wednesday afternoon.
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) public relations officer Deputy Fire Superintendent II Mohd Hafidzatullah Rashid said the department received a report on the incident at 3.03pm.
He said a fire and rescue team arrived at the scene about five minutes later and found an 18-year-old man feared to have drowned while swimming at the beach with his friend.
"A search operation for the victim is under way with a team of 14 firefighters, assisted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia).
"The location is about five kilometres from the station," he said.
Meanwhile, the victim's friend, Hakeem Putra Mahadi, 18, said the pair, who have been friends since Form One, had gone to the beach to spend time together.
He said the situation turned to panic after he saw his friend appeared to be in distress in the water.
"I tried to help save him but was unsuccessful before immediately calling the emergency line for help.
"At the time, only myself, him and an angler were at the location," he said.