KUALA KRAI - A man reported missing since Monday was found on Thursday about 15 kilometres from the last location where he was seen in Kampung Kandek, Dabong.
Muhd Safuan Che Mood, 38, was discovered by an oil palm plantation worker in a weak and exhausted state before being reunited with his family.
Dabong Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Senior Fire Officer II Zaimi Samat said authorities received a missing person report on Wednesday after family members informed them that Safuan had not returned home since about 11.30pm on Monday.
"Personnel were immediately deployed to the location and a search was carried out with villagers along routes frequently used by the victim.
"The search and rescue (SAR) operation was later expanded with the involvement of the Fire Department’s K9 Unit, as well as cooperation from the police, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and members of the public," he said on Thursday.
More than 30 officers and personnel from various agencies took part in Thursday’s operation, with search efforts divided into teams covering river, forest and hilly terrain.
Team A conducted river searches by boat, while Team B combed forested areas with tracker dogs. Team C searched hilly areas, assisted by the K9 Unit.
"Despite limited communication coverage in the operation area, the SAR teams continued the search in a systematic and coordinated manner.
"The victim was found at about 5.20pm by an oil palm plantation worker and later identified by his family. Based on information from relatives, he is believed to suffer from hallucinations and often wanders off alone.
"He was in stable condition despite exhaustion and was handed over to his family. The SAR operation was officially concluded at 6pm," he said.