BEAUFORT – A seven-year-old autistic boy who was reported missing on Wednesday evening in Kampung Lumadan was found safe near a workers’ quarters in the area.
Vin Aaric Victor was found at about 7.40am, approximately 3.5 kilometres from his home, where he was initially reported missing.
Beaufort Fire and Rescue Station chief Ishak Jabas said the search and rescue team had initially planned to continue the operation using tracker dogs from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department's (JBPM) K9 Tracker Dog Unit.
“Our personnel had already arrived at the location to plan the next course of action.
“However, we later received updated information confirming that the victim had been found by members of the public at around 7.40am, about 3.5 kilometres from his home,” he told Sinar when contacted.
Ishak said the child was found exhausted but otherwise safe.
“When he was found, the child was asleep and appeared extremely tired. Initial checks showed no serious injuries, only minor scratches believed to have been caused by moving through bushes and undergrowth.
“He was later brought home and reunited with his family. However, we advised the family to take him to the hospital for further medical examination,” he said.
He added that following the discovery of the child, the operation was officially called off at 8.50am.