PONTIAN: A 17-year-old teenager was found drowned after falling into Sungai Benut located behind a market in Pekan Benut, here.

       Pontian Fire and Rescue Department operation commander Azhar Abd Jalil said that the victim, identified as Mohd Akmal Jamaludin, was on a boat with his father and was on their way to the shore.

       He added that the boat had suddenly hit a tree stump that had caused the victim to fall into the river.

       "The department received a distress call at 11.59am on Saturday (Oct 30) and deployed nine personnel members to the location to conduct the search and rescue operation.

       "Investigation revealed that the father and son were on their way to get medical treatment before the victim fell into the river.

       "The body was found by the Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) at 4.10pm about nine metres deep at Sungai Benut, and about 50m from where he had fallen," he said in a statement here on Sunday (Oct 31).

       He added that the body has been handed over to the police for further action.

       Meanwhile, Pontian OCPD Supt Mohamad Shofee Tayib has confirmed the report on the case and said the investigation is still ongoing.