KOTA BHARU, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) launched a search and rescue (SAR) operation tonight for a male hiker who became separated from his group in the jungle near Kem Tudung Periuk, Gua Musang.
The victim, Muhammad Asrul Quyyum Asmmuddin, 23, is believed to have slipped from the hiking trail and fallen down a slope. He did not sustain serious injuries and is able to walk.
A Kelantan JBPM spokesman said the Operations Control Centre (PGO) contacted the victim, despite unstable phone coverage in the area, and he shared his location through WhatsApp.
“The victim has a torchlight, a whistle, and about 75 per cent battery life remaining on his smartphone.
“He has been instructed to stay at his current location while waiting for the SAR team to arrive, as well as to conserve his phone battery and torch light,” he said in a statement tonight.
He said the victim was advised to blow his whistle three times at intervals of a few minutes, then stop and listen for a response.
“If he hears a whistle or voices, the victim is asked to first determine the direction of the sound rather than moving towards it immediately.
“The victim was also requested to inform Kelantan PGO if he is found by any SAR team,” he said, adding that the operation is still ongoing.
JBPM received a call about the incident at 8.08 pm. The Gua Musang Fire and Rescue Station sent a Fire Rescue Tender and a Hilux vehicle to the location, 116 kilometres from the station.
-- BERNAMA