By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, July 9: The 15 government agencies involved in the 19-day search and rescue (SAR) operation for Private Muhammad Syafiq Hilmi Abdul Halim, have received appreciation awards from the Malaysia Army Chief, General Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan.
Muhammad Hafizuddeain presented all the awards during a ceremony held at the 20th Battalion of the Royal Malay Army Regiment (20 RAMD), Camp Sri Miri today.
Syafiq, 22, a member of the 7th Battalion of the Border Regiment, went missing on June 18 while participating in an operation with the Survey and Mapping Department at the Malaysia-Brunei border in Limbang.
The intensive SAR operation concluded successfully on July 7, following Syafiq’s discovery on July 6.
“On behalf of the Army, we thank all the agencies involved, including the nearby villagers,” said General Muhammad Hafizuddeain.
The ceremony was attended by Syafiq, his mother Zawiyah Salleh, 55, and other top army officials, including Eastern Field Commander Lt General Dat’ Mohd Sofi Md Lepi and First Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Datuk Mohamed Fauzi Kamis.
The recognised agencies included the Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), police, Fire and Rescue Department, Survey and Mapping Department (JUPEM), and local villagers.
Following Syafiq’s rescue, he underwent a thorough health check-up, including mental health evaluations and counseling.
According to the general during a press conference prior to the award presentation, the operation with the Survey and Mapping Department had been on the site (for mapping operation) for a week before the incident.
Despite being missing for 19 days, Syafiq survived, though he initially claimed that he believed he had only been missing for two days.
The SAR operation covered extensive ground, with search areas spanning 1 square kilometer (km²) in Brunei and a 4km radius on the Malaysian side, based on analysis and K9 (Dog Unit) unit indications.
The operation also involved investigating potential areas with caves where Syafiq might have been during his missing period.
As Syafiq recovers, plans for his immediate future include monitoring and rest in his village back in his home state of Kedah. — DayakDaily
