By Gretta Bala
MIRI: The body of a 44-year-old man who was reported missing since yesterday (Aug 2) has been found near the new Miri bus terminal, ending a two-day search and rescue operation.
Upil Lutan was last seen heading into the nearby forest area to forage for wild vegetables and jungle produce. When he failed to return home, concerned family members alerted the authorities.
Fire and Rescue Department personnel from the Lopeng station were dispatched to the scene following an emergency call at 2 pm yesterday. Search efforts resumed early this morning, with the team working in coordination with other agencies, including the police, General Operations Force (PGA), Civil Defence Force (APM), and the victim’s relatives.
At approximately 3.34 pm today, search teams located Upil’s body about 50 metres from the designated command post. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a Ministry of Health medical officer.
The body has since been handed over to the police for further investigation and was transported to Miri Hospital.
The operation, led by Lopeng Fire Station chief Senior Fire Officer Mohd. Hamdani Madon and Commander PBK I Rorudi Umas, concluded at 5 pm.
Seven personnel and three emergency response vehicles were involved in the search, which covered a one-kilometre radius around the area where Upil was last seen.
