Missing hiker: Dead body found at Bukit Beruang, authorities believe it is Tan

MELAKA: Two hikers discovered a dead body at a hilltop in the Bukit Beruang recreational forest on Saturday (March 18).

Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Christopher Patit said there was a strong indication that the body belonged to Steven Tan Kim Huat, 45 who disappeared while hiking at the site on Tuesday (March 14).

"However, we need to wait for the post-mortem report before confirming the details of the deceased," he said on Saturday (March 18).

The body was discovered by the two other hikers at an area called "CP 1", which was close to the foothills.

The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation for the missing hiker was suspended at 3pm on Friday (March 17).

On Thursday (March 16), Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director Abu Bakar Katain said the SAR team comprising 150 personnel from various agencies including Melaka Defence Force and police had combed the 40ha forest reserve site in search of the missing hiker.

Abu Bakar said there were 12 trails within the forest reserve and the SAR would be continued along these trails.

The hiker, he said, also had some health complications based on the information provided by his family members.

Tan was reported to have gone missing at 4.30pm on Tuesday (March 14).

Tan, who is a father of two, was supposed to return home at Krubong Jaya here at 8pm on the same day (March 14).

His family lodged a police report when he failed to be located and his mobile phone went unanswered.