MUAR - The disappearance of motoring influencer Ija Nizaruddin has gripped the nation, as a full-scale search and rescue operation enters its second day after his car was discovered at the bottom of Sungai Tui, Muar, without him inside.
Authorities have now expanded the search radius to 10 kilometres from the point where the Perodua Axia he was driving was found on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old, whose full name is Tengku Nizaruddin Tengku Zainudin, was last heard from around 4pm on Monday while en route to a friend’s workshop in Parit Bakar.
According to Zone 4 Chief of the Johor Fire and Rescue Department, Senior Fire Superintendent II Norshuhada Amsari, operations resumed at 8.50am on Wednesday with a larger deployment of personnel.
“Today’s operation involves seven scuba unit personnel from the Muar Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), as well as 11 members including three officers from BBP Pagoh. It also includes one officer and 26 members including the police.
The search is conducted in the water using police and fire department boats, in addition to land-based sweeping operations,” she said.
Prior to the incident, Ija and his younger brother Tengku Abdul Aziz, 30, had travelled separately from Johor Bahru to Muar for business. Media reports confirmed that the car was discovered submerged in the river, with no trace of the victim.
Muar District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz, confirmed the case and the ongoing efforts by rescue teams.
“Police are urging members of the public who have any information related to the incident to come forward or contact the Muar District Police Headquarters (IPD) to assist in the investigation,” he said.