Friend watches helplessly as man drowns after falling from boat in Malaysia

A 26-year-old man drowned in Sungai Kobat near Taman Impian after falling from a boat, with his friend watching helplessly. Muhammad Firdaus Zuharsema fell into the water around 9:20 a.m. when the boat they were traveling in struck a piece of wood.

Badrul Afiq Jaillany Zam Zam, 24, recounted the harrowing experience, stating, "I tried to grab his hand, but it was too late. He just sank before my eyes." He explained that the impact of the boat hitting the wood caused Firdaus, who was seated at the front, to be thrown into the river. In the ensuing confusion, Badrul Afiq lost control of the boat's engine, causing it to spin.

After regaining control, Badrul Afiq rushed towards his friend, who was struggling in the water and calling for help. "He didn't have time to shout anything. I knew he couldn't swim," Badrul Afiq said. He attempted to extend his hand to save his childhood friend, but his efforts were in vain as Firdaus submerged and disappeared.

Panicked, Badrul Afiq immediately shouted for help from nearby individuals before the Fire and Rescue Department was contacted. A team from the Indera Mahkota Fire and Rescue Station, along with a rescue boat, was dispatched to the location to commence a search and rescue operation. The department received the distress call at 10:23 a.m.