PUTRAJAYA, Aug 28 — A special committee has been set up to investigate and assist in the search and rescue of seven Orang Asli pupils from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tohoi, Gua Musang, Kelantan who were reported missing since Sunday.

Education director-general Datuk Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof said the committee chaired by Gua Musang district Education officer Muhammad Zahari Othman, comprise representatives from the Kelantan State Education Department, the Gua Musang district Education Office, teachers of SK Tohoi, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) and the Malaysian Civil Defence Department (JPAM).

He said the special committee would also monitor and determine the action to be taken, until the pupils are found.

“The search and rescue operation also involves the help of villagers and the pupils’ parents who are still trying to find them in that area,” he said in a statement here today.

Khair said an operation room had also been set up at the Gua Musang district Education Office to coordinate the search and rescue operation.

Meanwhile, in Kelantan, Gua Musang district police chief Supt Saiful Bahri Abdullah said 110 rescuers were involved in the search and rescue operation for the seven pupils.

They are from the police, RELA, Fire and Rescue Department, JPAM and JAKOA, he told reporters here today.

The seven pupils comprising six girls and a boy, aged between seven and 11, are from Kampung Pos Tohoi, Gawing, Penat, Sedal, Simpol, Jadil and Langsat.

They are believed to have fled into the jungle because they feared punishment for swimming in a river without permission. — Bernama