Fire Dept: SAR launched after hiker slips down slope and becomes separated from group in Gua Musang

Kota Bharu, September 20 — The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) initiated a search and rescue (SAR) mission last evening for a male hiker who had become separated from his group in the jungle near Kem Tudung Periuk, Gua Musang. The victim, Muhammad Asrul Quyyum Asmmuddin, aged 23, reportedly slipped from the hiking trail and tumbled down a slope.

Although he sustained no serious injuries, he was able to walk. A JBPM spokesperson informed that the Operations Control Centre (PGO) attempted contact with the victim, despite the limited phone connectivity in the region, and he provided his location via WhatsApp. The hiker was equipped with a torchlight, a whistle, and his smartphone, which still possessed 75% battery life.

It was advised for the victim to remain at his present location while awaiting the SAR team, conserve his battery and torch, and blow his whistle intermittently. If he encountered any voices or detected another sound, he was instructed to first ascertain the direction of the noise rather than immediately moving towards it. Additionally, the victim was asked to inform the Kelantan PGO if he was discovered by any member of the SAR team.

The operation to locate the hiker commenced at 8:08pm. The Gua Musang Fire and Rescue Station dispatched a Fire Rescue Tender and a Hilux vehicle to the location, situated 116 kilometers from the station.