Search intensifies for missing hunter near Padawan forest

KUCHING: Rescue teams and villagers have intensified their search for a 53-year-old man who vanished after heading into a forest alone on a hunting trip near Kampung Emperoh Jambu in Padawan on Wednesday evening (Oct. 7).

Christie Fidelis Batest has not been seen since leaving home at about 7:30 pm on Oct 7, carrying a shotgun to hunt in a forested area behind his cousin’s house, approximately three kilometres from his residence.

His blue Modenas motorcycle was later discovered parked near the forest, providing search teams with a crucial starting point in their efforts to locate him.

The disappearance has prompted a coordinated search involving firefighters, police, Civil Defence Force personnel, RELA members, volunteer firefighters and local villagers.

According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department, concerns over Christie’s whereabouts grew when he failed to return home by 5:00 pm the following day.

His younger sister, Marthia Batest, initially searched the surrounding area and approached neighbours for information, but her efforts yielded no clues.

As fears for his safety mounted, she sought assistance from village head Bonnie, also known as Boniface Lasek, who subsequently alerted the local voluntary fire brigade.

A missing person report was lodged at Siburan Police Station at 9:31 pm on Thursday (Oct 8).

The search entered its second day on Saturday, with personnel from the Siburan Fire and Rescue Station departing for the location at 8:30 am.

Upon arriving at 9:35 am, Operations Commander PBK I Rafiq Hussain briefed the participating agencies before the search resumed at 10:00 am.

Rescuers were divided into two teams and deployed to search the forested areas on both sides of the road where Christie’s motorcycle had been found.

The operation involves seven firefighters, supported by two police officers, eight members of the Simpok Voluntary Fire Brigade, three Civil Defence Force personnel, one RELA member and 10 villagers.

The fire department has also deployed a Compact Fire Rescue Tender (CFRT) and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) vehicle to support the operation.

Adding to concerns is Christie’s medical history. Authorities confirmed that he has high blood pressure and heart disease, although his condition and whereabouts remain unknown.

Details of the clothing he was wearing when he disappeared have not been established.

As the search continues, rescuers are concentrating their efforts around the location where his motorcycle was discovered and the surrounding forest.

As of the latest operational update on Saturday morning, Christie had yet to be found.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said further information would be released as the search progresses.