THE search for four-year-old Muhammad Zarif Mohd Hazahari ended in tragedy early Saturday when his body was discovered on a beach in Merang, near Kuala Nerus, at around 3 a.m.
The boy, the fifth of six siblings, was found washed up on the sand by rescue teams and local residents, approximately six kilometres from the site where he was reported missing, according to Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor.
"At around 3 a.m., the body was found by rescue personnel and local residents. A full report will follow," he said in a brief statement sent via WhatsApp early Saturday morning.
Muhammad Zarif had reportedly been swept away by large waves at Pantai Sauh, Batu Rakit, on Friday evening. At the time, he had been at the beach with his aunt and four other children for a brief outing.
Witnesses said that after about half an hour at the shoreline, the boy had moved closer to the water before being suddenly carried away by the waves. - January 11, 2026
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