Sungai tui: The search and rescue operation for a man reported missing after the car he was driving was found submerged in Sungai Tui, Jalan Bukit Kepong, here yesterday evening, has been expanded to a 10-kilometre radius.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zone 4 chief of the Johor Fire and Rescue Department, Senior Fire Superintendent II, Norshuhada Amsari, said that the search for Tengku Nizaruddin Tengku Zainudin, 38, was resumed at 8.50 am today. She stated that seven firefighters from the Scuba Unit of the Muar Fire and Rescue Station, 11 from the Pagoh Fire and Rescue Station, as well as 26 policemen, are involved in the operation. "A land search is also being carried out," she told reporters here today.

Meanwhile, the victim's friend, Muhammad Syahmi Mansur, 30, revealed that he and nine others rushed to search for the victim, known as 'Ija', on Monday night after being informed of his disappearance, following the GPS coordinates on his last known location provided by the victim's wife. He explained that the initial search could not be conducted because it was dark, prompting them to continue searching in other areas. "The next day, we returned to the location, and that was when we were informed about the discovery of the car. I noticed a sticker from Ija's car accessories shop on the rear windshield, and both front side windows were open with the doors unlocked. However, we couldn't locate him due to the murky water," he said.

Yesterday, Muar police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz confirmed the discovery of a Perodua Axia believed to belong to the victim in the river. He stated that efforts to locate the victim were underway, urging any witnesses to come forward and contact the Muar District Police Headquarters to assist in the investigation.