MELAKA: The public has been urged not to conduct independent searches for missing persons without first reporting the case to the authorities, following delays in launching a search for a man in Ayer Keroh here.
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director Mohd Shahrom Laji said delayed reports could hamper search and rescue efforts, widen the search radius and lead to unnecessary deployment of government resources.
“The Fire and Rescue Department has been entrusted by the government to lead search and rescue operations in accordance with directives issued by the National Disaster Management Agency and the National Security Council.
“Uncoordinated civilian groups conducting their own searches can divert attention and resources away from the primary search zones,” he said in a statement on Sunday (June 21).
Mohd Shahrom said the department was alerted only at 12.15pm on Sunday about a 34-year-old man who had gone missing after entering a forested area near a golf club in Ayer Keroh.
He said members of the public had searched for the man over the previous two days but failed to locate him before contacting the authorities.
Firefighters and police then launched a search operation around the golf club, nearby resort grounds and the Melaka Botanical Garden.
The man was found at about 3pm inside a public toilet near the Melaka Botanical Garden.
“He was discovered in a weakened condition and received preliminary treatment from the Emergency Medical Rescue Services team,” Mohd Shahrom said.
He urged the public and volunteer groups to immediately inform the relevant authorities and contact the department through the emergency hotline instead of carrying out independent searches.
“Every emergency case, whether involving fire or otherwise, falls under the department’s jurisdiction.
“Actions taken by firefighters in the course of their duties during emergencies are protected under Section 20 of the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341),” he said.
Mohd Shahrom said independent search efforts could expose volunteers to safety risks and potential legal implications, describing such situations as a “crisis within a crisis”.
He also advised against sharing details of missing persons on social media before informing the relevant authorities.
