Family did not know drowning victim had gone to beach with friends, father says

Muhammad Thaqif Rayyan’s family did not know the 16-year-old had gone to Tanjung Lompat Beach in Kota Tinggi to swim with friends.

His father, Rumainoor Salleh, 47, said he realized his son was not at home after returning from a night shift. The boy had told his sister he was going out with a friend’s mother, but did not explain that he was going to the beach or camping.

Rumainoor said repeated calls went unanswered. At about 8:10 a.m., the family received information about the incident. He said the family accepted what had happened and hoped rescuers would find his son’s body and bring him home.

“We accept what has happened. If he is gone, bringing his body home would already be enough for us, praise be to God,” he said.

The victim’s sister, Nur Adriana Dania, 24, said her brother usually told her when he planned to go out with friends. She said he had become quieter over the previous week or two, returning from school, eating and going straight to his room.

She also said he had hidden his TikTok status from her and their father. Only his friends could see posts about the camping trip. A friend arrived at the family home at about 7:30 a.m. and told them that Thaqif had drowned.

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We accept what has happened. If he is gone, bringing his body home would already be enough for us, praise be to God.