Raub: A teenage boy drowned after losing his footing while taking photographs at the Lata Jarum waterfall in Ulu Dong near here today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Senior Fire Superintendent I Salahuddin Isa stated that the victim, Muhammad Shahrul Ikwan Adam Hareez Islami, 18, had visited the waterfall with two friends. The victim, from a nearby village, went to the site for a picnic but stayed out of the water. Despite this, he slipped and fell into the water while his friend attempted to take his photograph with the scenic background.

Salahuddin mentioned that the JBPM received an emergency call at 4.10 pm, leading to the dispatch of a team from the Raub Fire and Rescue Station to the location. The victim was discovered by JBPM with assistance from members of the public at 5.42 pm using special equipment at an estimated depth of 10 feet (3.05 metres) near the spot where he had slipped.

Salahuddin further explained that the JBPM encountered challenges in retrieving the victim using a stretcher and rope due to the strong current. The victim was confirmed dead at the scene by a Ministry of Health (MOH) officer, and the body was subsequently handed over to the police for further action.