JOHOR BAHRU: Search plus rescue operations are usually ongoing for a Singaporean man who has already been reported missing while hiking at the Panti Timur Forest Arrange in Kota Tinggi.
In a declaration issued late on Saturday (Sep 17) night, Kota Tinggi police chief Hussin Zamora said the particular missing hiker has been identified as Jason Ren Jie who is in the 30s. Johor police has confirmed to CNA that the hiker is definitely Singaporean.
Mr Hussin stated that police were alerted to the incident in around 3. 30pm on Saturday by a Malaysian man who was Jason Ren Jie’s hiking companion.
He added that the pair began hiking together in around 11. 30am on Saturday morning and had became separated by 1pm.
After the police were alerted, the team from Batu Ampat police train station was dispatched towards the scene, said the police chief.
The search plus rescue operation was also assisted by the Malaysian Fire and Save Department from Kota Tinggi fire plus rescue station, and also the Forestry Department, stated Mr Hussin.
“As associated with 11. 30pm on Saturday, the lacking hiker has not yet been found. Lookup and rescue functions were suspended briefly because the area was too dark, hampering efforts. The search operation resumes on Sep 18 (Sunday), ” he added.
In his statement, Mr Hussin also urged those willing to hike within the forest reserve to get a permit from the forestry department first in order to “prevent an occurrence like this from recurring”.