6 hikers missing in Malaysia for days found after rescuers spot smoke signal

Six hikers who went missing on Mount Gerah in Kelantan for days have been found after rescuers managed to spot a smoke signal, The New Straits Times reported on Monday (Sep 7).

Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Sayani Saidon told Malaysian media that the signal was seen during an aerial survey of the area.

"Based on the aerial survey, the victims were seen to have made a smoke signal, with their estimated location about one hour from Kem Kulim," she said.

Kem Kulim is a campsite in the vicinity of Mount Gerah, which sits on the border of Kelantan and Perak.

The hikers, consisting a family of four and two mountain guides, had entered a forest area in Gua Musang on Aug 29.

The group's last message was received by the family at around 7.45am on Sept 1, saying they were safe and that it had not rained for the previous three days, The Star reported.

They then became uncontactable and were feared missing after they failed to appear on schedule at Pos Kemar, Perak, on Sept 3, Malay Mail reported.

Sayani shared that 11 search and rescue personnel from the fire and rescue department, police, forestry department and the Mountain Guides Association (MGP) were flown to Kem Kulim following the discovery of the smoke signal.

Fourteen other members of the MGP also entered the region via the hiking route to support the rescue operation, she said.

Around 5.15pm on Monday, the forestry department received word that the hikers were found, and that they are expected to regroup with the rescue team at Kem Kulim on Monday night, The New Straits Times reported.

They were subsequently transported to a clinic in Pos Kemar where they are receiving treatment.

All six have been medically assessed to be in good health condition, The New Straits Times reported.

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