Penawar fire and rescue station operations commander Masri Ibrahim said members of the public discovered the 49-year-old’s body at the beach at 5.30am.

“The victim, who was wearing a black pair of shorts, was found by members of the public about 5km from where he was reported to have gone missing.

“The victim’s wife has also identified his body,” he said, adding that the body had been sent to Kota Tinggi Hospital.

Yesterday, Masri was reported to have said the man and his 16-year-old son were hit by waves while playing at the water’s edge before being swept away.

However, the boy was rescued by the public and sent to Kota Tinggi Hospital.

Masri also said that even before the incident, a red flag had been raised there to warn visitors not to engage in activities on the beach due to weather conditions.