50-Year-Old Man Jumps Into Rushing Floodwaters To Rescue Woman Clinging To Submerged Car
"I'm thankful I have the stamina to assist the victim. Money can still be earned, but if a life is lost, there's no replacement," said the man.
By Melissa Alvina — 08 Jan 2024, 12:22 PM
A 50-year-old man has gained praise and admiration for courageously jumping into a monsoon drain to rescue a woman after her car skidded into it at KM42.5 of the Johor Bahru–Kota Tinggi Highway
The incident, which happened on 7 January, came to light after a video was uploaded on Orang Kota Tinggi, a community Facebook group.
The 14-second video showed a woman struggling to hold on to the back of a submerged Perodua Myvi amid strong currents in the huge floodwater-filled drain.
Shortly thereafter, a man, now known as Choo Ngiam Choong, was seen jumping over the guardrail and moving the woman to the banks of the drain, while the car was swept away.
It is said that the driver lost control of her vehicle, causing it to skid before landing in the drain
According to the New Straits Times, the incident occurred when the 37-year-old driver and her 43-year-old passenger were travelling towards Kota Tinggi, Johor, amid heavy rainfall.
Kota Tinggi district police chief Supt Hussin Zamora stated that the driver escaped injuries, while her passenger sustained minor injuries and was promptly taken to Kota Tinggi Hospital.
"They both were badly shaken by the incident but fortunately nothing untoward happened. The Myvi was swept away, and is yet to be recovered as of press time," he said.
Recalling the incident, Choo said he did not hesitate to jump in and save the woman upon witnessing her being swept away by the strong currents
Choo recounted that he was on his way from Kota Tinggi to Mawai, Johor, to have breakfast when he noticed his friend halting his car ahead of him, reported the New Straits Times.
He said he was shocked upon witnessing the Perodua Myvi being carried away by the strong current in the storm drain along with the two women.
"I didn't think twice and immediately jumped in to save the woman after seeing her being swept away by the strong current," he told the New Straits Times.
"One woman managed to save herself, while the other was being swept away. Considering the risk of drowning, I immediately jumped in to reach the woman, and several other friends did too, as passersby at the scene also assisted," he added.
Following the incident, Choo also expressed both gratitude and happiness for having saved the woman in seconds, thereby preventing an unfortunate incident
He also shared that he was thankful for not sustaining any injuries while assisting her.
"I am good at swimming and have navigated hilly and challenging areas before," he said.
"I'm thankful I have the stamina to assist the victim. Money can still be earned, but if a life is lost, there's no replacement," he added.
