11-day exercise tests GOF jungle rescue skills

KUCHING: Eleven days of gruelling jungle operations have put the Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) Brigade through its paces, testing its ability to locate, rescue and evacuate personnel in some of Borneo’s most challenging terrain.

Search and Rescue (SAR) Exercise 2026, held from Sept 18-28 at Mount Serapi Forest Reserve, pushed participants to their physical and mental limits while sharpening their readiness for SAR missions.

Handout photos show the SAR Exercise 2026 held at the Mount Serapi Forest Reserve, pushed participants to their physical and mental limits while sharpening their readiness for SAR missions.

The exercise was conducted in the rainforest, often referred to as the “Amazon of Asia”, where steep mountainous terrain, rivers, rapids, unpredictable weather and shifting wind conditions presented a demanding operational environment.

Personnel underwent intensive training in a range of SAR techniques, including rope work, rappelling, abseiling, fast roping, hover jumping and winching.

They also trained in managing an Operations Command Centre (OCC), Deep Jungle SAR and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations.

Handout photos show the SAR Exercise 2026 held at the Mount Serapi Forest Reserve, pushed participants to their physical and mental limits while sharpening their readiness for SAR missions.

The exercise also focused on strengthening the capabilities of senior and junior police personnel, Tiger Platoon and infantry elements in responding to crisis and disaster situations.

Technology also played a key role, with the Brigade’s Innovative and Creative Group (KIK) deploying its “Dr Tracker” device to pinpoint and monitor the locations of SAR personnel operating deep inside the rainforest.

The technology enhanced personnel safety while allowing teams to obtain location information more quickly during operations in difficult terrain.

Aside from that, the brigade’s Drone Unit also provided aerial surveillance, with drones equipped with heat sensors and infrared technology to monitor areas during both day and night.

The drones were particularly useful in locations that were difficult or dangerous to reach on foot.

Handout photos show the SAR Exercise 2026 held at the Mount Serapi Forest Reserve, pushed participants to their physical and mental limits while sharpening their readiness for SAR missions.

SAR Exercise 2026 challenged participants’ discipline, technical abilities, leadership and teamwork while placing them in situations designed to replicate the uncertainty of real-world emergencies.

The successful completion of the exercise reflects the brigade’s continued efforts to maintain a high level of operational readiness and strengthen its ability to respond to threats, disasters and emergencies.