Missing hiker found dead at Cherok To'kun Forest Reserve

Firemen scouring the Cherok To'kun Forest Reserve for missing hiker Teng Ching Hiang, 58, who was eventually found dead.

BUKIT MERTAJAM: A 58-year-old man who went hiking at the Cherok To'kun Forest Reserve has been found dead.

Rescuers found the body of Teng Ching Hiang pinned between rocks in the jungle on Sunday (March 29), after a friend lodged a police report of Teng's disappearance.

Central Seberang Prai district acting police chief Supt Mohd Mustafa Bidin said Teng is believed to have gone hiking on the fourth day of the MCO.

"On March 21, Teng told his friend that he was going for a hike alone.

"Teng's friend advised him not to do so due to the MCO, but Teng failed to take heed of his advice.

"The next morning, the friend went looking for Teng at his home in Taman Sentosa only to find the house locked.

"He tried calling Teng's phone but could not get through.

"Fearing for Teng's safety, the friend then lodged a police report on March 26," said Supt Mustafa.

He added that a 26-man search team comprising policemen, firemen, army personnel and volunteers hiked up the hill and eventually found Teng's body.

"We ruled out foul play and the case has been classified as sudden death," he added.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department (fire operation and safety) officer Supt Nafis Ariff Abdullah said Teng's body was found not far from a trail.

"Eight firemen were deployed after being alerted of a foul odour in the area," he said.

On the first day of the MCO on March 18, dozens of people were spotted hiking up the forest reserve through the oil palm estate to bypass the closed main entrance.