The Port Dickson International Triathlon has been running since 2002. However, tragedy struck its 17th edition that was held over the weekend.
Two men have reportedly drowned while taking part in the swimming challenge.
On Sunday (15 July), 39-year-old Tharm Wei Weng from Penang lost his life likely during or after he competed in the 750m category.
According to a Bernama report, Fire and Rescue Department personnel tried to resuscitate the victim but to no avail.
He was later rushed to the Port Dickson Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Less than 24 hours after the incident, another participant from the triathlon who was reported missing was found drowned this morning.
The body of Yuen Chi Yuen, a 42-year-old man from Hong Kong, was discovered by a fisherman this morning.
The victim had failed to report himself after competing in the same swimming challenge. His wife lodged a report and a search and rescue mission was launched immediately.
So what could have happened at a sporting event with 17 years of experience?
Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun said that the tragedy was an accident and not because of negligence on the part of the organisers, as reported by The Star.
The organisers had reportedly changed the route for the swimming event after recognising that the sea was turbulent early in the morning.
They had also received the green light from the Fire and Rescue Department prior to the event.
Nevertheless, the tragedy was unpredictable and there were definitely risks involved in such a challenging activity.
Therefore, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said that there will be a committee set up to find out what happened.