'I just followed the water': Father wades through drain in desperate search for missing son in Puncak Alam

KUALA SELANGOR - A 45-year-old father, Khaizalullinordin Nordin, made a desperate attempt to find his 10-year-old son, Khairil Izani Khaizalullinordin, who is feared to have been swept away by strong currents during heavy rain on Tuesday afternoon.

Acting on instinct and without considering his own safety, he entered a drainage system stretching more than 100 metres and followed the flow of fast-moving water in search of any sign of his eldest son.

“I waded through the drain, following the water flow in the hope of finding my son, no matter what condition he is in,” he said.

The boy is believed to have fallen into a drain near a playground at Lorong Cakera Purnama 12/30, Taman Fasa 3, Puncak Alam, before being carried away by the heavy flow caused by continuous rain.

According to information gathered from the victim’s friends, the incident is believed to have taken place between 3pm and 3.30pm while the child was playing in the area, which includes a drainage section often used by children to slide and play.

“There is a drain in that area which children use as a sliding spot. It is understood they would go down and slide repeatedly there.

“However, on the day of the incident, the rain was very heavy, causing water from the surrounding area to flow rapidly and is believed to have swept my son away,” he said.

Khaizalullinordin said he only became aware of the incident at about 6.30pm after being informed by family members. He rushed to the scene and arrived around 7pm, but search operations had yet to begin.

“I then contacted the fire department and police before, together with several friends, began searching by following the drain and drainage holes,” he said.

“I did not think about anything at that time, I just followed the water flow in the hope of finding my son,” he said.

He added that the family was informed late due to delays in communication from the child’s friends, who later came to the house to inform his wife while he was at work.

Reflecting on the situation, he said he feared his son may have tried to hold on to objects inside the drain before being overwhelmed by the current.

“I accept it and hope my son’s remains can be found as soon as possible,” he said.

Earlier reports stated that the search and rescue operation by the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department had been expanded to a five-kilometre radius. The operation involves the Water Rescue Team, K9 unit, police and local residents.