GUA MUSANG: Search and rescue (SAR) personnel face challenges from murky water, unknown river depths, and strong currents carrying debris as they look for Mohd Ilham Che Mat Satar, 27, who went missing after his boat capsized in Sungai Galas near Kampung Batu 6 on Monday (July 20).
Gua Musang Fire and Rescue Station chief Senior Asst Fire Supt Muhamad Azrul Izzham Zulkifli said Tuesday's (July 21) operation, which began at 7am, was reinforced by the K9 Tracker Dog Unit and the Water Rescue Team (PPDA).
He said the search operation involved eight PPDA personnel, three K9 handlers with a tracker dog named Denti, and 11 officers from the Gua Musang Fire and Rescue Station.
"Search efforts used the surface search method within a radius of less than 3km from the incident site.
"The murky state of Sungai Galas and its unknown depth pose significant challenges to the rescue team," he told reporters at the scene Tuesday.
Muhamad Azrul Izzham said that upon arriving at the location on Monday, the fire team found the victim's boat capsized, but there was no sign of the victim.
Ramli said rain since early morning caused the water level in Sungai Galas to rise, with strong currents carrying rubbish and debris downstream.
Mohd Ilham, a welder, was reported missing Monday afternoon after his boat capsized in Sungai Galas near Kampung Batu 6.
In a separate incident near KOTA BARU, the SAR operation for a female senior citizen believed to have fallen into Sungai Pengkalan Datu near Kampung Wakaf Stan was extended to over 6km from the incident site Tuesday.
Pasir Tumboh Fire and Rescue Station chief Senior Asst Fire Supt Juhari Ahmad said the operation involved personnel from the department, the Teluk Jembal and Pasir Tumboh Volunteer Fire Brigades, and the police. It included sweeps on land and along the riverbanks, but no leads have been found.
"Today, the search continued with local residents' help and may extend further downstream, including shrubs along the riverbanks. With fair weather, we hope the SAR operation proceeds smoothly. We appeal to the public to come forward with any information," he told Bernama Tuesday.
On Monday, the fire department launched a SAR operation for the woman in her 60s, who is suspected to have fallen into the river. - Bernama
