Search continues for missing mentally handicapped senior citizen

Firefighters planning their SAR routes.

By Nancy Nais

BETONG, July 14: Search and rescue (SAR) personnel are actively searching for a 69-year-old mentally handicapped (OKU) man who was reported missing since July 12.

Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Betong fire station chief Vincent Baling said that Munau Tama, from Rh Muda Issu Bangat in Skrang was last seen by his family members on Friday at about 3pm before he left the house without informing anyone.

He was wearing a white shirt with blue shorts at that time.

The family then contacted Bomba Betong at 7.38pm while longhouse folks continued to search the area for the sexagenarian.

SAR operations were immediately initiated by six firefighters with two police personnel and 10 local villagers assisting them.

They were divided into two teams, with one focusing on land, covering about 1km radius where Munau is commonly seen hanging out while the other team is searching the river where he usually takes his bath.

At press time, Munau has yet to be found. — DayakDaily