KOTA TINGGI – A holidaymaker from Singapore has gone missing off Desaru Coast in Johor.

According to Mr Masri Ibrahim, Penawar Fire and Rescue Department’s operations commander, the incident was reported at about 12.30pm on Dec 27.

In a statement, he said: “The 49-year-old man and his teenage son were enjoying some recreational activities at the beach. Based on witness accounts, the man was swept away by the current and could not be found.

“His 16-year-old son was saved by the public before we arrived at the scene.”

The missing man was identified as Mr Isaac Kelvin Tan Lee Thong, said Penawar Fire and Rescue Department officer Rohimin.

His son, Gabriel Tan Way Ping, was conscious and taken to Kota Tinggi Hospital for treatment.

Mr Tan’s wife was also at the scene but she was not in danger, said the Penawar fire department official.

The father and son were reportedly swimming in Desaru waters in front of The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, according to the New Straits Times.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the resort said that it followed the “necessary safety protocols”, which included helping the guest get medical treatment.

The hotel management declined to reveal the name of the missing person, citing its guest confidentiality policy.

Mr Masri added that a red flag had been raised at the beach to warn people against water activities.

The search and rescue operation involving two other rescue teams from Mersing and Sungai Rengit has been put on hold and is set to continue early on Dec 28, according to the official from the Penawar Fire and Rescue Department.

ST has contacted Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

• Additional reporting by Wallace Woon, Lok Jian Wen