LAHAD DATU: The Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) has been deployed in the search and rescue (SAR) operation for a 61-year-old man who went missing while searching for bird's nests in Gua Tepadung recently.
Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station chief Sumsoa Rashid, who is also the operation commander, said the STORM team would conduct a thorough inspection of the cave’s interior for Ismail Ibrahim.
"The search on day four of the operation has entered a more focused phase, as previous challenges included a lack of clear clues regarding the victim's location - whether inside the cave or in the surrounding forest area.
"The STORM team will conduct an extensive search inside the cave to determine whether the victim is within the cave system. If the victim is not found, we will shift the search to the forest area," he said when contacted on Wednesday (June 3).
According to Sumsoa, searching the interior of the cave presents significant challenges due to the presence of many dark holes, steep and slippery passages, as well as the risk of toxic gases and low oxygen levels.
"The potential for falling rocks and cave-ins is also taken into account, as this cave is formed of limestone," he said.
Sumsoa also expressed hope that Wednesday’s operation would uncover new clues and determine whether the victim is inside the cave.
"Considering how long the victim has been missing, we hope he is still able to survive, as we understand he is among those who regularly search for bird's nests in the area.
Police had received a report regarding the victim's disappearance last Sunday while searching for bird's nests in Gua Tepadung, located about 36km from Lahad Datu town, together with two friends last Tuesday. - Bernama
