Lojing: Rescue teams are being mobilised by water, land and air in preparation for a search and rescue (SAR) operation for six individuals feared missing while hiking at Gunung Trans Gerah in Lojing, Kelantan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Datuk Sayani Saidon stated that the department received information about the missing two mountain guides and four family members yesterday afternoon, prompting discussions with JBPM headquarters' operations division on the search plan. He mentioned that three boats from the Trojan Jetty in Gerik would transport eight members of the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team (STORM) and five fire and rescue mountain guides by water to Pos Kemar.
Sayani further explained that a total of 12 Forestry Mountain Guides are also travelling from Sungai Siput in four-wheel-drive vehicles to Pos Kemar, with the journey expected to take about four hours. All teams will gather at Pos Kemar, which will serve as the Forward Control Post (PKH).
He also mentioned that the JBPM air unit from the Northern Region JBPM Bertam Air Base was scheduled to depart Bertam at 2 pm today for an aerial survey. This survey will begin at the last location where the six were seen on September 1 before proceeding towards Pos Kemar. The aerial survey aims to provide an initial overview of the search area, including identifying routes that can be used by the ground teams.
Sayani added that the JBPM canine unit (K9), which arrived this morning, was on standby but had yet to be deployed pending finalisation of the operation plan. A multi-agency coordination meeting is still being held at the Gerik District Police Headquarters (IPD) to determine the SAR plan and deployment on the ground.
The operation involves the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Forestry Department, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), General Operations Force (PGA), JBPM, and Forestry Mountain Guides. The six began their hike on August 29 and were due to emerge from the forest on September 3. A report was lodged by their family members yesterday after they failed to return as scheduled.