6 Missing GBB Hikers Including 9yo Child, Found After Rescuers Spot Smoke Signal

Six individuals who were reported missing after participating in the Trans Gerah, Bieh and Bongok (GBB) expedition have been found safe.

The group, comprising a family of four and two mountain guides, was located after search and rescue (SAR) teams spotted a smoke signal during an aerial survey. According to Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon, the group is believed to have been about an hour's journey from Kem Kulim when they were found.

According to Harian Metro, the Forestry Department also received a message at 5:15 PM informing authorities that all six individuals had safely reached Mount Bongok.

"Based on assessments and discussions between the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) and the Forestry Department, as well as the last SMS message received from the group on Sept 1, all six individuals are believed to have travelled via the route from Mount Bieh to Mount Sepat, Mount Belatok, Kampung Agek, Mount Bongok and Pos Kemar," he said.

All hikers are receiving treatment at Pos Kemar Health Clinic

Meanwhile, District Police Chief Supt Abdul Samad Othman said the six individuals were escorted by the rescue team to Kampung Lelar and arrived safely at 8:45 PM yesterday (Sept 7).

Image Credit: NST

It is understood that all six individuals are in good condition and did not sustain any injuries. They are currently receiving treatment at the Pos Kemar Health Clinic.

The group consisted of married couple Wan Ahmad Aslam Wan Zairudin and Siti Zulaikha Norizan, both 39, as well as their children, Diya Raisha, 13, and Ahmad Raief Wan Ahmad, 9.

Also accompanying them were two mountain guides, Shafiee Sidek, 49, and Hazman Mamat, 43.

The family began their expedition in Gua Musang on 29 Aug.

Group failed to emerge as scheduled on 3 Sept

According to reports, the group was scheduled to complete the expedition and emerge on 3 Sept. However, after they failed to do so, a family member lodged a missing persons report.

Wan Zairudin Wan Ismail, father of Wan Ahmad Aslam, said his son had chosen the Trans GBB route, which he had never attempted before, as part of his goal to complete a series of mountain expeditions across Malaysia before taking his family to climb Mount Kinabalu next year.

Meanwhile, the two mountain guides who accompanied the group are said to have more than 20 years of hiking and guiding experience.

Featured Image Credit: BERNAMA, NST