Elderly man found safe after getting lost in Serian forest

SERIAN (April 1): An elderly man reported missing after entering a forested area in Kampung Prankang Merung, Bugu here on Tuesday has been found safe today.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said in a statement that it received an emergency call at 10.59am today, prompting a team from the Serian Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) to be dispatched to the location.

The incident occurred when the 72-year-old victim went into the forest with two friends to check the boundaries of his native customary rights (NCR) land in the Sinawan area near Sungai Kedup yesterday.

He was believed to have become lost while trying to exit the forest.

“The victim’s two friends managed to leave the forest at 9pm, but the victim could not be found, prompting local villagers to launch a search,” Bomba said.

Upon arrival, the victim’s family informed rescuers that they had managed to contact him by phone and that he was walking along Sungai Kedup towards the main road.

“The victim was later located by the search and rescue (SAR) team, consisting of villagers, at 11.52am in a safe condition, suffering only minor injuries to his legs,” the department said.

He was taken to the Fire Control Centre for a check-up before being transported to hospital by an ambulance from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM).

The operation involved six personnel from BBP Serian using a Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) and a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

It was also assisted by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and the Rela Corp.

The operation was officially concluded at 12.45pm after the victim’s safety was confirmed.