KUANTAN, June 18 — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) mounted a mercy mission for a year-old boy, who was almost drowned yesterday, bringing him by boat from Tioman Island for treatment at the Rompin Hospital.

MMEA Eastern Region director First Admiral (Maritime) Datuk Mamu Said Alee said they received a distress call from the Tioman Island Health Clinic at 7.52pm.

He said the boy, S Raajihesh, from Selangor, reportedly almost drowned while swimming with his family members at the Kampung Air Batang beach, Tioman Island.

"The victim was rescued by his mother and was sent to the clinic for treatment. However, he needed further treatment at the hospital.

"MMEA assigned the ‘Penggalang 14’ fast boat to take the victim and it arrived at the Tanjung Gemuk jetty at 11pm before the boy was rushed to the Rompin Hospital,” he said in a statement here today.

Members of the public who are dealing with emergency situations at sea can contact the Eastern Region Maritime Operations Centre which operates 24 hours at 09-5717345 or via MERS 999 hotline. — Bernama