MERSING: A man had a close brush with death when he was swept away by strong currents while passing through an inundated road at KM34 Jalan Jemaluang-Kota Tinggi.

Mersing Fire and Rescue Department station chief Abdul Muiz Mukhtar said the incident occurred at 7.19am on Tuesday (Jan 2).

He added that the victim is a 23-year-old man from Mersing who was riding his motorcycle to go to work in Johor Baru when he found the road at KM34 Jalan Jemaluang-Kota Tinggi cut off due to flooding.

“Upon arriving at the location, the victim decided to wade through the water; however, his motorcycle engine suddenly shut down, leaving him stranded,” he said when contacted.

Abdul Muiz added that the victim was swept away about 7m in 1.5m deep water.

"The victim managed to hold on to a pole submerged in the water and waited until the rescue team arrived,” he added.

Abdul Muiz said that the incident was seen by passers-by who called the Department for help.

He then said that it took about 30 minutes to rescue the man from the point where he was stranded.