Man arrested after trying to swim 6,950KM distance from Malaysia to Mecca

Malaysian authorities have arrested a man after he tried to swim from Malaysia to Saudi Arabia‘s holy city of Mecca, according to multiple media reports.

The 28-year-old reportedly jumped into the sea near Tanjung City Marina and was later found floating in the water after police received calls reporting the incident.

It turned out that the same man had previously attempted to swim across the sea to Seberang Prai “after not being allowed to travel between districts to meet a friend,” the New Straits Times reported.

“The initial investigation revealed that the same man was involved in both incidents. This time, the man said he wanted to reach the Muslim holy city of Mecca,” said Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Soffian Santong.

“The man has been taken to Penang Hospital for mental health treatment and evaluation. He is now in the psychiatric ward of Jalan Perak for further treatment.”

Malaysia is 4455 nautical miles from Saudi Arabia by boat.