Search for missing hunter enters second day

PADAWAN: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a 53-year-old hunter who went missing in a forested area behind Kampung Emperoh Jambu entered its second day today.

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said search efforts focus on the area around three kilometres from the victim’s house, where his blue motorcycle was found parked.

The victim, identified as Christie Fidelis Batest, reportedly left his home alone to go hunting with a shotgun on Wednesday (Oct 7) evening.

On the second day of the operation today, rescue personnel assembled at the control post for a briefing at 9:35 am before dividing into two groups to comb the left and right sectors of the area where the motorcycle was discovered.

Following a brief lunch break at 1:00 pm, the multi-agency SAR team resumed operations at 2:10 pm using a sweeping technique through fan-searching methods.

The multi-agency search operation involves seven personnel from BOMBA, alongside four personnel from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), nine personnel from the General Operations Force (PGA) 11th Battalion, three Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel, one Rela member, eight members from the Simpok Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS), and 10 local villagers.

Earlier, his disappearance came to light after he failed to return home by Thursday evening, prompting his younger sister to lodge a police report at the Siburan Police Station.

BOMBA was informed that the victim has a medical history of high blood pressure and heart conditions.

Firefighters from Siburan fire station were mobilised to the scene after receiving an emergency call on Thursday morning.