This is the dramatic moment villagers rescued a man who was swept away by a raging river in Malaysia.

The resident was caught up in the muddy torrents after the river became swollen from heavy rain in Sedim, Malaysia, on May 16,

He was seen clinging for life onto a rock as the locals tried throwing a rubber ring towards him, but they had difficulty because of the water's speed. They had to hurl the ring from the other side of the river to reach him faster. After more than four minutes, he was finally pulled out of the water.

Onlooker Kak Afie said: 'We didn't know who he was, but we're glad he's safe. Praise be to God for prolonging his life.'

Baling District Civil Defense Officer Captain Rasidah Kassim said in a statement on May 16: 'Heavy rain has continued since 1 pm causing the water level of Sungai Sedim to be at a dangerous level.

'However, there are also flooded areas that have receded. [The Malaysia Civil Defence Force] is always monitoring the flooded areas and is vigilant for any eventuality.'

Malaysia and other countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines are reaching the start of their tropical monsoon rainy season, which last until late November.

Soaring temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius are often followed by powerful tropical storms with thunder, lightning, rain and flash floods which cause rivers to flow faster and become dangerous.

Many of the under-developed nations struggle to cope with the heavy rain due to under-investment infrastructure.