SHAH ALAM - A hiker, Mustaqqeem Mansoor, 34, who was found dead at the summit of Gunung Liang, Tanjung Malim, on Thursday, was believed to have been left alone after the mountain guide accompanying him went down to seek help.
The experienced climber was found lying on his side as if asleep, with traces of blood on his nose; believed to have succumbed to hypothermia after being left alone.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Zone 4 Tapah Officer Marazman Mohamad, who was part of the search and rescue (SAR) operation, said all of Mustaqqeem’s belongings, including his wallet, phone, sleeping bag and food, were untouched.
However, his water bottle was completely empty.
“Based on the victim’s condition, it seemed like he had succumbed to the cold and there was minor bleeding from his nose, likely due to the cold air, a symptom usually associated with hypothermia.
“The victim also did not use his sleeping bag, even though the temperature at the peak was extremely low. This indicates he might have lost his ability to think rationally due to extreme cold,” Marazman said when contacted on Friday.
He added that the victim had earlier complained of leg pain and was accompanied by a guide who later went down the mountain to get help, leaving him alone at the summit.
“I was informed that the climbing group consisted of 11 people guided by two mountain guides. One of them led the other participants down, while the other stayed with the injured victim.
“But the guide who stayed with the victim later descended again to find help, leaving the deceased alone at the summit,” he said.
Marazman, who is also a registered Forest Mountain Guide (MGP) with the Perak State Forestry Department, revealed that before the official SAR team was activated, there were initial attempts by the mountain guides and expedition organisers from Johor to locate the victim on their own.
He described the climb from Sungai Dara Dam, Behrang, to the location as taking about eight hours along a 12-kilometre trail that was extremely difficult, especially during rainy conditions.
“The path was slippery, rocky and flanked by deep ravines on both sides, making it difficult to traverse, especially during rainfall. The mountain, standing at 1,933 metres above sea level, is not suitable for casual climbers.
“The victim’s phone was found beside him, but there was no network coverage at the summit,” Marazman shared.
The climber from Sungai Petani, Kedah, was last seen by his teammates at Gunung Liang Barat at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, limping and walking slowly due to leg pain. He was later reported missing when he did not descend with the group.
The search and rescue operation was launched on Thursday, involving 43 personnel from multiple agencies, including JBPM, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and the Perak Forestry Department.