ALAM, March 6 — A search and rescue (SAR) operation has been launched after two friends went missing while fishing off the coast of Port Klang, authorities confirmed on Friday.
The pair, identified as Muhammad Irwanshah Ismail, 33, and his friend known only as Halim, were reported missing after failing to return from a fishing trip that began last Sunday. The disappearance was reported to the Selangor State Maritime Headquarters by the younger brother of Muhammad Irwanshah.
Last Communication Before Disappearance
According to the report, the two men had set out to sea in a fibreglass boat from the Kampung Pendamar Jetty, Klang, at around 12:30 pm on the day of their departure but never returned. Their last known communication was via WhatsApp at about 8:30 pm, when they said they were seeking shelter at a fishing hut due to strong winds. The exact location of the hut, believed to be in the waters near Pulau Ketam, was not specified.
SAR Operation Mobilised
Following the missing persons report, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) mobilised the PERKASA 36 vessel to search the fishing hut areas in the waters around Pulau Ketam. The Johor Bahru Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) then activated a full SAR operation at 2:45 pm on Wednesday to locate the two men.
Bad weather conditions forced the suspension of search efforts on the first day at 8:30 pm, but operations resumed at 7 am the following day. A Search and Rescue Forward Base (PHC) was also established at the Selangor State Maritime Headquarters to coordinate the search sectors more effectively.
Multi‑Agency Response
The second day of the SAR operation saw increased participation from multiple agencies, including the Marine Police Force (PPM), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), and the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM). These forces expanded the search area to cover 66 square nautical miles in the waters around Port Klang.
Call for Public Assistance
Maritime officials have urged anyone with information regarding the men’s whereabouts — especially anyone who may have seen someone matching Halim’s description — to contact the Selangor State Maritime office immediately to assist in ongoing search efforts.
As of Friday morning, the SAR operation was continuing amid hopes of finding the two men, but adverse conditions at sea have made the search challenging
