KUCHING: A man who went missing while hunting alone on Oct 7 was found weak and barefoot after making his way out of a forest near an oil palm plantation in Kampung Emperoh Jambu, Padawan, this morning.
Christie Fidelis Batest, 53, was found at 8.47am, eight days after he was reported missing.
Padawan district police chief Superintendent Barry William said the man was weak and had several minor cuts on both ankles, wrists and arms.
He was taken to Serian Hospital in an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) vehicle from the Fire and Rescue Department for further treatment.
"Police would like to thank all personnel and villagers for their cooperation and assistance throughout the search operation," he said in a statement today.
The search and rescue (SAR) operation was launched after the man's family lodged a police report at Siburan police station at 9.31pm on Oct 8.
The operation involved several agencies, including the police, Fire and Rescue Department, General Operations Force 11th Battalion, Malaysian Civil Defence Force, K9 tracker dog unit, volunteer firefighters and villagers.
The man was reported to have left his home at 7.30pm on Oct 7 to hunt alone in a forest about 3km from his house.
He had taken a shotgun with him, while his blue Modenas motorcycle was found in the area.
His younger sister, Marthia Batest, became concerned when he failed to return by 5pm on Oct 8.
She searched the surrounding area and asked neighbours for information but found no clues to his whereabouts.
After her efforts proved unsuccessful, Marthia sought help from village head Boniface Lasek, who informed the volunteer fire brigade before a police report was lodged.
NST, news, Malaysia, Sarawak, Padawan, missing hunter, search and rescue, Christie Fidelis Batest, forest, police
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