SARIKEI: A three-day search for a missing 78-year-old man ended on a happy note this morning (Sept 1) when he was found safe and sound.
Chali Mat, who had been missing since leaving home for his oil palm plantation on Aug 29, was found by members of the public at around 6.55 am.
On the third day of the search and rescue (SAR) operation, firefighters from Sarikei station received word that the victim had been found safe about 5km from his home.
The team headed to the scene at 7.42 am to verify the discovery and obtain further information.
After Chali was handed over to his family, the SAR operation was officially called off at 8.30 am.
Earlier, the elderly man had left home at around 8.15 am on Aug 29 to head to his plantation along Jalan Sungai Tapang, Jalan Bayong.
He was wearing a grey long-sleeved shirt and long pants and carrying a machete when he left.
Concerned family members searched for him but were unable to locate him before lodging a police report for further assistance.
A search was subsequently launched, involving firefighters, police, villagers, Lubok Lemba auxiliary firefighters and the Civil Defence Force (APM).
