Johor man applauded online for selflessly jumping into lake to save car crash victims
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 ― A Johor man didn’t think twice before jumping into a lake nearby Kampung Jorak Elahi in Bukit Pasir, after a Perodua Myvi plunged into it.
The 43-year-old factory assistant supervisor, Suzaini Mohd Sadali told Berita Harian that he had come across the sinking Myvi as he was passing by the lake around noon yesterday.
“I was driving and I saw a car that had crashed into the lake and I immediately stopped before noticing two victims with one in the passenger's seat while the other one was at the back, trying to hold on to the car’s body.
“The driver was already struggling when I saw him and he was calling for help and I straight away jumped into the lake without thinking any further because they were in need,” Suzaini said.
Suzaini managed to get the driver to safety while the impromptu rescue mission was later joined by two passerby who used a broken tree branch to pull the other two victims to safety.
According to Suzaini, before the incident, he and his 12-year-old son were on their way home to Parit Yaani after taking his son for an eye check-up at the Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital.
“I was driving and I saw a car that had crashed into the lake and I immediately stopped before noticing two victims with one in the passenger's seat while the other one was at the back, trying to hold on to the car’s body.
“The driver was already struggling when I saw him and he was calling for help and I straight away jumped into the lake without thinking any further because they were in need,” Suzaini said.
I know how to swim and this lake is my usual fishing spot. I realised that I’ve used up all my energy saving the driver, it was not an easy feat and I have no energy left to save the other two.
Fortunately the two passersby had come to help and we managed to pull both the victims to safety with a tree branch,” he said.
Suzaini’s act of valour has since been making rounds on social media where some local social media users were seen applauding him for his speedy response in helping the three victims.
According to Harian Metro, Batu Pahat police chief Assistant Commissioner Ismail Dollah said that the accident may have been caused by a faulty brake line.
He added that all the victims aged between 25 and 28 were unharmed and they have yet to file an official report regarding the accident.
“The car was driven by a male driver along with two friends who were on their way from Tongkang Pechah heading towards Batu Pahat.
“Upon reaching the location of the accident, they lost control of the car, crashed and plunged into the lake on the right side of the road.
“With the help from the public, all three victims were brought to safety however their car had sunk,” Ismail said.
He added that the case is being investigated by his team and it will be investigated under Rule 10 LN 166/59 for failure to control the vehicle while driving.
