MUAR: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a motoring influencer who was reported missing on Monday (July 14) after the vehicle he was driving plunged into Sungai Tui, Lenga here was called off on Friday evening after rescuers failed to find any new leads.

Muar district police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the incident command post at the scene had also been closed as the search for Tengku Nizaruddin Tengku Zainudin, 38, entered its fourth day.

He said the operation, launched after a partially submerged car was found in the river located in an oil palm plantation, involved 77 personnel from various agencies.

"The search was carried out using land, water, and air methods covering a radius of several kilometres from the scene by the Muar district police headquarters, marine police, K9 Unit, and the General Operations Force.

"Also involved were the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, its water rescue team and drone unit," he said in a statement on Friday.

According to Raiz Mukhliz, the command post was closed and the SAR operation called off following a decision to expand the search to other areas after a thorough search of the incident site had been completed.

He said the move would also allow for better coordination among the agencies involved should other factors contributing to the victim's disappearance come to light.

However, Raiz Mukhliz said search efforts would still be carried out periodically by personnel from the Lenga police station with assistance from Muar police headquarters.

Earlier, the media reported that the victim, a businessman and owner of a vehicle accessories shop, went missing after a hatchback he was driving plunged into the river. - Bernama