A SEARCH and rescue operation is under way after a nine-year-old boy was discovered alone and soaked on a bridge in Kampung Parit Bugis, claiming that his father had fallen into the river below.
The child was found by members of the public at approximately 8.34am on the village bridge, according to Pontian district police chief Superintendent Hadzrat Hussien Mion Hussain.
His clothes were wet when he was approached, prompting concern from passers-by.
The boy informed them that his 65-year-old father had gone missing after falling into the river, leading to a police report being lodged.
“Initial investigations found that the father and son were believed to have been fishing at the river before one of them, the father, fell into the water,” he said.
Following the report, a coordinated search and rescue operation was launched involving the Fire and Rescue Department, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force and the Marine Police Region Two unit.
“Search efforts are ongoing and further updates will be provided from time to time,” he added.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area while rescue teams continue their efforts to locate the missing man. - February 22, 2026
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