KABONG: An overnight search for a missing local man in Empayung coconut plantation here ended on a positive note after he was found safe by his family, today (June 3).
The 56-year-old was feared lost in a forest after leaving his home at around 9am on Tuesday (June 2) to tend to his farm. He was expected to return later that day but to no avail.
However, concern grew after he contacted a friend at around 3.30pm, asking for drinking water. His friend was unable to deliver the water to the victim as he had reportedly ventured deep into the forested area.
Efforts to establish contact continued, with the friend requesting that the man share his location. But by evening, his phone could no longer be reached, raising fears that he had become lost.
A search and rescue (SAR) operation was launched and it involved the Saratok fire and rescue station, auxiliary firefighters, police, the Civil Defence Force (APM) and villagers.
Less than an hour into the search, rescuers received welcome news when the man was found safe by his family at around 9.15am.
