KUCHING – The use of drone technology played a vital role in locating a six-year-old autistic boy who was reported missing in Jalan Kim Chu Hin, Batu Kawa, yesterday.
The victim, identified as Enrique Bong Kai Cen, was found safe at 5.18 pm today near a river area, about 500 metres from the spot where his slippers were earlier discovered.
According to the Sarawak Police Operations Centre (PGO), members of the public who noticed the boy quickly alerted the rescue team. The search team, aided by the DJI Drone Unit, managed to monitor the area effectively and coordinate the rescue.
Efforts to find Enrique began yesterday with his family members and acquaintances conducting initial searches, but their attempts were unsuccessful. On the second day, the Search and Rescue (SAR) operations resumed at 8.20 am, involving both land and water searches.
“The Fire and Rescue Department combed through forests, orchards, and trails within a 300-metre radius from the Fire Control Post. Meanwhile, the river search was carried out with police boats up to Kampung Sejijak,” the statement read.
The combined effort involved 13 firefighters, supported by PDRM’s K9 Unit, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), RELA, and the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
After confirming Enrique’s condition, he was immediately transported to the hospital using an APM ambulance for a medical check-up. Authorities later confirmed that the boy was safe and in stable condition.
The SAR operation officially concluded at 5.50 pm, marking a successful collaboration between multiple agencies and the use of modern technology.
This incident highlights how drones are becoming increasingly valuable in search and rescue missions, especially in complex terrains and urgent cases involving vulnerable individuals such as children with special needs.