KUALA TERENGGANU: A jet ski racer is feared drowned after a practice session in Sungai Terengganu near the Islamic Civilisation Park this morning.
Professional jet ski racer Abdullah Mubin, 44, from Kampung Ladang, is reported to have fallen from the vehicle at about 8am.
During the incident, the victim, who is also the mechanic of the vehicle, was alone conducting the tests.
His friend, Mohd Danial Abdullah, 41, said that at the time of the incident, the victim was testing the jet ski as preparation for a competition in Thailand.
"Abdullah was among the record holders of the King's Cup Thailand in the expert category in 2012.
"This morning, he was testing a jet ski which recently arrived here to prepare for the competition in Thailand in a few days' time," he said when met at the scene.
An eyewitness, Rushdan Abdullah, 55, said he was having breakfast with his family in Kampung Pulau Ketam when he saw the victim making several rounds before falling off the jet ski at about 8am.
He said after the fall, the victim appeared to surface a few times before disappearing beneath the water.
"My wife, two children, and I panicked upon seeing the incident and immediately contacted the fire and rescue department," said Rushdan who is from Batu Buruk, here.
Meanwhile, Kuala Terengganu Fire and Rescue Station chief Rozizah Abni Hajar said 12 personnel, including four members of the Water Rescue Team (PPDA), were dispatched to the scene as soon as they received the information.
She said that upon arriving at the location, they were informed that a man had fallen while riding a jet ski in the river.
"The search and rescue (SAR) operation is ongoing at the scene, involving various agencies including the marine police team, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the victim's friends and local villagers," she said.