Missing hunter found weak after eight days in forest

PADAWAN: A 53-year-old hunter who went missing after venturing into the forest alone was found weak and barefoot this morning (Oct 15), eight days after he disappeared in Kampung Emperoh Jambu here.

The man, identified as Christie Fidelis Batest, emerged from an oil palm plantation near his cousin’s house at around 8.47am.

Padawan police chief Supt Barry William said the man was found with several minor wounds on his ankles, wrists and arms.

He was later taken to Serian Hospital in an ambulance for further medical treatment.

Barry thanked all personnel involved in the search and rescue (SAR) operation, including the police, firefighters, Civil Defence Force (APM), People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) and villagers who assisted throughout the search.

The circumstances surrounding Christie’s disappearance and how he survived in the forest for eight days were not immediately known.

Last week, he had reportedly left home at around 7.30pm on Oct 7, carrying a shotgun and heading into the forest to hunt behind his cousin’s house, about 3km away.

His motorcycle, a blue Modenas, was later found in the area where he was believed to have entered the forest.

Christie’s younger sister reported his disappearance and requested for SAR assistance at Siburan police station on Oct 8.