By DayakDaily Team
SELANGAU, Jan 4: A search and rescue (SAR) operation is underway for two men who went missing while foraging for frogs in the forest near Rumah Penggang, Batu 36 Tamin, here.
According to TVS, Sibu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 4 chief Andy Alie said his department received a report on the incident at around 11.20am today.
“A team was immediately deployed to the scene to obtain information before commencing the SAR operation,” he said.
According to him, the two missing victims were identified as Stephen Meron, 51, and Rowney Lau Siew Kiong, 44.
The two entered the forest with two of their other relatives to look for frogs on Thursday evening (Jan 2).
It is understood that the group split into two teams.
“The complainant and another relative managed to get out of the forest but Stephen and Rowney have yet to be found,” he said.
The victims’ families, who have been trying to find them since Thursday, finally filed a police report today after their own efforts were unsuccessful.
Andy also explained that the biggest challenges in the SAR operation are the often-changing weather conditions and the thick and difficult-to-penetrate forest area.
Despite this, the SAR team remains committed to the search for the victims, assisted by residents who are knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the area.
“We call on the public who have information about the two victims to immediately come forward to assist in the investigation.
“Any form of assistance and information is greatly appreciated to expedite the search,” he explained. — DayakDaily
