KANOWIT: A 22-year-old man who was reported missing around Rumah Ricky area in Jalan Penjulau/Lukut since March 7 was found safe following a search and rescue (SAR) operation involving several agencies and local villagers.
Kanowit OCPD Deputy Supt Junical Ujal said the fifth day of SAR operation continued at 9am on Thursday (March 12) for the missing man Richard Lee Apang.
He said the operation involved personnel from the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and villagers, with a total of 59 people taking part in the search.
“As a result of the concerted efforts of all parties, the victim was found safe at about 11.40am in a swampy area in the forest, approximately 500 metres from the Incident Control Post,” he said in a statement.
He added that the man was found fully dressed but in a weak condition.
“The victim was subsequently taken to Kanowit Hospital for further medical examination and is reported to be in stable condition,” he said.
Junical said the SAR operation was officially called off at 1pm after the man was successfully located.
He also expressed appreciation to all agencies and villagers involved for their cooperation, concern and strong spirit of volunteerism throughout the operation.
At the same time, he advised the public not to spread unverified information regarding the incident in order to avoid unnecessary confusion.
