SARATOK, Oct 18 — A search and rescue (SAR) operation is currently underway for a 94-year-old man from Rh Federick Juan in Kumpai Krian, who went missing after a routine trip to a nearby rubber farm on Thursday evening (Oct 17). The elderly man, who has been identified as a resident of the longhouse community, failed to return home after leaving for the farm located about 500 metres from the longhouse.
The incident was reported to the Saratok Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) at approximately 6.40 pm. In response, a team of firefighters was quickly mobilised and dispatched to the scene. As of this morning, search efforts have resumed with additional assistance from 15 longhouse residents, covering a one-kilometre radius from the man’s last known location.
Disappearance Sparks Concern
According to family members, the missing man, who was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and short pants, left his home on Thursday afternoon, intending to visit the nearby rubber farm. This daily routine was not unusual for him, but his failure to return home at the usual time raised alarms among his family and fellow longhouse residents. Initial search efforts by the residents began shortly after realising he was missing, but after hours of searching in the surrounding area, no signs of the man were found.
As the evening grew darker, the local authorities were notified, and the Saratok Bomba team joined the search. However, despite the combined efforts, the search was halted at nearly 10 pm due to low visibility and challenging terrain, making it difficult to continue in the dark.
Renewed Efforts in Search Operation
With daylight providing better conditions, the search resumed early today, covering a larger area. The firefighters and longhouse residents are focusing on a one-kilometre radius surrounding the farm, which is mostly dense with rubber trees and thick undergrowth.
“The SAR operation is currently ongoing, and our team is fully committed to finding the elderly man as quickly as possible. We are utilising all available resources and are coordinating closely with the local community, who have been incredibly supportive throughout this process,” said a representative from Bomba Saratok.
In addition to the SAR team and local residents, members of the elderly man’s family have been participating in the search, hoping to bring him home safely. With his advanced age, concerns are growing over his well-being, particularly regarding the hot and humid conditions common in rural Saratok during this time of year.
Local Community Comes Together
The close-knit community of Rh Federick Juan has rallied together during this challenging time, with many residents volunteering their time and effort to aid in the search. Longhouse communities in Sarawak are known for their strong sense of unity, and the people of Kumpai Krian are no exception.
The rubber farm where the elderly man went missing is a popular site for locals to harvest latex, and the area is familiar to many residents. However, due to the farm’s dense vegetation, tracking someone down in the area can be a slow and painstaking process.
“We are all deeply worried, but we have hope that he will be found soon. The whole longhouse is working together, and we will continue searching until he is found,” said one longhouse resident involved in the search efforts.
Call for Vigilance
As the SAR operation continues, authorities are urging anyone in the surrounding areas to be on the lookout for the missing man. If anyone spots any sign of the elderly man or has any information that may assist in locating him, they are urged to contact the Saratok Fire and Rescue Department or the local police.
The Bomba team has not ruled out the possibility of expanding the search area if the man is not found within the initial one-kilometre radius. The search is expected to continue until the man is located or further leads emerge.
Authorities are also reminding local residents to stay safe and vigilant, particularly as search operations often involve navigating difficult terrain. They advise anyone who wishes to join the search to coordinate with the official SAR team to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of the efforts.
Hopes for a Safe Return
As the hours pass, the community’s hopes remain high for the elderly man’s safe return. While the situation is challenging, the combination of local knowledge, community support, and the expertise of the Bomba team offers a strong chance of success in the search operation.
The next few hours will be critical, as search teams continue combing the area for any trace of the missing man.