Four teenage boys, all around 16 years old, were swept away by strong waves while swimming at Tanjung Lompat beach in Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia on the morning of September 2, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The incident occurred between 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. after the group had camped overnight with about 15 other teenagers who arrived the evening before [2, 4, 5].
Six teenagers were swimming when the waves struck. Two were rescued by members of the public before authorities arrived, but four—including Muhammad Thaqif Rayyan Rumainoor, Mohamad Haiman Fitri Supian, Muhammad Adib Hafiy Kamal, and Alif Taqiudin Kamal Hasrul—were swept out to sea [2, 3, 5, 6].
The body of Alif Taqiudin Kamal Hasrul was recovered at 1:25 p.m. on September 2, found about 400 to 800 meters from the incident site along a rocky stretch of beach [1, 2, 5]. Bodies of two more missing teenagers, Muhammad Adib Hafiy Kamal and Muhammad Thaqif Rayyan Rumainoor, were found by September 4, leaving only Mohamad Haiman Fitri Supian still missing [3, 7].
The terrain at Tanjung Lompat includes a channel-like formation that can strengthen currents, and the tide was receding at the time of the incident, increasing the pull toward the sea. Lieutenant Commander Mohamed Shafiee Bakar said, "This area is believed to have a channel resembling a 'drain' in the middle of the beach... the current may create a stronger pull towards the sea." [8]
Search and rescue operations involved the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Marine Police, and local volunteers [2, 5, 9, 7]. The operation faced harsh conditions, including rough sea with 1 to 1.5 meter waves, strong undersea currents, and high winds. Fire and Rescue Department commander Soleh Nasir said, "The rescue efforts have been severely hampered by strong undersea currents, rough beach conditions, and high winds." [10]
The search area was expanded from one to two nautical miles offshore. Drones were deployed during high tide to scan nearby coastal regions in case the missing individuals drifted further out, Tanjung Sedili Zone Maritime acting director Mohd Najib Sam said, "Drones will continue to be flown during high tide to see if the victims were washed away to other nearby coastal areas." [11]
The teenagers were on school holidays, part of a camping group mostly aged 16 [2, 3, 4]. A friend recalled, "This morning, we went into the water... Several teenagers rushed to help but three other friends were also swept away and submerged." [3] The father of Muhammad Thaqif Rayyan Rumainoor expressed cautious hope, saying, "Hopes are indeed high for him to be found safe, but we accept whatever happens with submission and sincerity." [4]
As of September 5, three of the teenagers’ bodies have been recovered, while the search continues for the last missing boy [3, 7].
