The victims, aged 9 and 10, were found beneath a rock after a late-night search involving Johor’s Water Rescue Team.
A fishing trip turned tragic in Johor when two young boys were found drowned in Tasik Menawan Lake, Taman Pelangi Indah, early Wednesday morning (Oct 22). The victims, aged nine and ten, had gone missing after leaving home to fish on Tuesday afternoon.
Disappearance and Distress Call
The victims, Muhammad Rayyan Iskandar Mohamed Hafizee (9) and Muhammad Khalish Rayqarl Hasimudi (10), left home at about 2 p.m. on Tuesday (Oct 21) to go fishing at the nearby lake. When they failed to return home by nightfall, their families raised the alarm.
At 9.44 p.m., the Johor Jaya Fire and Rescue Station received a distress call and immediately dispatched 14 personnel, including members of the Water Rescue Team (PPDA) and the Emergency Medical Response Services (EMRS) unit, to the scene.
Search and Rescue Operation
Upon arrival, firefighters found two pairs of slippers near the edge of the lake, believed to belong to the missing boys. The rescue team began with surface search techniques, followed by a more systematic underwater search using the arch pattern method to cover the lake area efficiently.
According to operations commander Mohd Shafie Md Din, the children’s bodies were located at around 2.28 a.m., beneath a rock approximately five metres from the shore and ten feet deep underwater.
Victims Found Beneath Rock
Both victims were confirmed dead at the scene. Their remains were recovered carefully by the rescue divers and handed over to the police for further investigation. The search and rescue operation officially concluded at 3.05 a.m., nearly six hours after the initial emergency call.
Authorities Urge Vigilance Around Water Areas
Following the tragedy, authorities reminded parents and guardians to exercise caution and supervise children closely around open water bodies. The Johor Fire and Rescue Department emphasized that lakes and ponds, while appearing calm, can conceal dangerous underwater currents, debris, or sudden drops in depth.
“Even shallow areas can become hazardous for children,” said a department spokesperson. “We urge residents to prioritize water safety and avoid unsupervised recreational activities near lakes.”
Community Mourns the Loss
The incident has shocked the Taman Pelangi Indah community, where both victims were known to be cheerful and close friends. Neighbors and relatives gathered at the lakeside early Wednesday morning to offer prayers and support to the grieving families.
The heartbreaking drowning of two young boys at Tasik Menawan Lake serves as a somber reminder of the hidden dangers posed by natural water bodies. As Johor authorities continue to stress water safety awareness, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger community vigilance to prevent similar losses in the future.
Sources: The Star (2025) , Malay Mail (2025)
Keywords: Johor Drowning, Tasik Menawan Lake, Fire Rescue Malaysia, Child Safety, Johor News
