JOHOR BARU, Dec 19 — A 56-year-old hiker, who was reported missing on Sunday while descending from Gunung Pulai in Skudai here, has been found found safe by rescuers early this morning.
The victim, identified as Lee Chin Chai, was found by the search and rescue (SAR) team team in a forest area at 12.30am.
Its operations commander Senior Fire and Rescue Officer Mohd Khairi Zainudin said the victim is currently in a safe and stable condition after being given initial treatment and food.
"We successfully managed to locate the victim after he responded to the calls made by the SAR team members at a secondary forest area which was away from the hiking trail route.
"Upon hearing the victim’s calls, the SAR team members immediately opened a path in the secondary forest based on the direction of the his voice before securing him,” he said in a statement this morning.
Following the rescue, Mohd Khairi said the victim was sent to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) for further treatment and observation, before the entire operation ended at 3.30am.
Yesterday, it was reported that Lee went missing after going on a solo hike in the Pulai Hijauan area of Gunung Pulai since 7am.
It was learnt that Lee had earlier climbed to the top of Gunung Pulai using a shortcut before losing his way on his descent down.
His disappearance was reported by the victim's sister, after the victim did not return home yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Johor Forestry Department director Datuk Salim Aman advised the public to adhere to the temporary closure of all hills and hiking tracks during the monsoon season.
Even on normal hikes, he explained that the public are advised to use hiking routes provided.
"This is in addition to obtaining the services of a guide, especially for those who are not used to climbing or hiking through the forest.
"Hikers are also reminded not to go solo and climb alone because it can be dangerous," said Salim.
