A Singaporean man who was reported missing after going for a hiking trip at Gunung Panti Barat, Kota Tinggi has been found.
Bernama reported that 40-year-old Neo Thiam Ming had contacted the Malaysia Emergency Response Service (MERS 999) at about 7pm on Saturday (Aug 13) to inform them that he had gotten lost.
A search and rescue operation was later launched and spearheaded by the Royal Malaysia Police, who were assisted by the Fire and Rescue Department, Forestry Department and the Civil Defence Force.
On Sunday (Aug 14), Kota Tinggi district police chief Hussin Zamora issued a statement saying that Neo was yet to be found as of 2pm and that the search was still ongoing.
Found his way out 12 hours later
Thankfully, Neo managed to find his way out of the forest and was found in a safe condition by authorities at 4.20pm.
Senior Fire Officer II Ibrahim Wahid said Neo had brought himself to the aid control centre, an entry point located at the foot of the mountain.
“He was then handed over the police for further action,” he said.
Zamora said that those who wish to go hiking must report themselves to the nearest police station or the Forestry Department before heading off, reported The Star.
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Cover image via Utusan Malaysia & Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Johor
