Lahad datu: The search-and-rescue operation for an elderly man who went missing while harvesting swiftlet nests with two friends at Gua Tepadung here was called off today after he was found safe at an oil palm plantation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station chief Sumsoa Rashid stated that the operation, which began at 10.20 am, ended at 2.50 pm after receiving information that the victim was found at the plantation at 12.43 pm.

"The victim underwent a medical check-up before being handed over to the police for further action," he said in a statement today.

The victim, Ismail Ibrahim, 61, was reported missing on May 26 while harvesting. His companions searched for him but were unsuccessful.

Police received a missing person report on Sunday and launched a search-and-rescue operation with the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).