BALING – A trainee at the Mokhtar Dahari National Football Academy (AMD) is feared to have drowned after being swept away by currents while swimming in the river near Kampung Padang Temu, Batu 48, this afternoon.
According to Zone 3 Fire Department acting chief Rahimi Ali, the incident happened at about 1pm when the victim, 14-year-old Muhammad Saiful Ezzudin Mustafa, was swimming in the river with his friends.
“While swimming, the victim was said to have been suddenly carried away by the current before he could be saved.
“The victim’s friends tried to find him but failed. They then informed the victim’s family, who contacted the fire department at about 4.11pm,” he said.
Rahimi said that when the fire brigade arrived at the location, it rained heavily causing the water level in the river to rise.
“The situation has made search operations more difficult,” he said.
Meanwhile, an AMD spokesperson through its official Facebook page requested all parties to pray for the victim’s safe return and to ease the search for the young talent.
“Currently, Saiful and all AMD under-14 and 15-year-old trainees are on semester leave. They are in their respective hometowns from March 19 to 27,” he added. – The Vibes, 23 March 2022
