MELAKA: The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation for missing hiker Kevin Tan Kim Huat has been suspended, say Melaka police.
Melaka Tengah OCPD Christopher Patit said the decision to stop the SAR was reached at 3pm on Friday (March 17) after there was no indication of the missing person's whereabouts.
"However, we will continue to work with the local residents to get the latest update on Tan," he said.
On Thursday (March 16), Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director Abu Bakar Katain said the SAR team comprising 150 personnel from various agencies including the state Defence Force and police combed the 40ha forest reserve site in search of the missing hiker. However, he said they have yet to get a clue of his whereabouts.
The hiker, he said, also had health complications based on information provided by his family members.
Tan was reported to have gone missing at 4.30pm on Tuesday (March 14) while hiking at the site. His car was still parked at the foothill.
One of his relatives, who did not want to be identified, said Tan, who is a father of two, was supposed to return home at Krubong Jaya here at 8pm on the same day (March 14) and a police report was lodged when he failed to be located and his mobile phone went unanswered.
The relative added that Tan, who lives in Kajang, Selangor, often returned to his mother's house here and frequently went out hiking at the site.
