BETONG – The search for an elderly woman reported missing in the forest area of Nanga Buai Padeh, Ulu Skrang, has taken a new turn after rescue teams found a piece of clothing believed to belong to the victim.
The woman, identified as Rumai Jantin, 75, was reported missing after she failed to return home yesterday evening. According to family members, she was last seen leaving the back of the longhouse at around 6.15pm. When she did not return, a missing persons report was immediately lodged.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre (PGO) confirmed that a search and rescue (SAR) operation was launched soon after, involving multiple agencies.
On the first day of the SAR today, the operation was focused on the Tebelian tributary area, covering a search radius of one kilometre from the longhouse. During the operation, a piece of underwear believed to belong to the victim was found about 500 metres from the fire control post (PKB), giving search teams a potential clue to her whereabouts.
As of 6.00pm today, however, no further signs of the missing woman have been found. The operation was suspended at nightfall and will resume tomorrow morning with intensified efforts.
The SAR operation is being led by Senior Fire Officer I Yusuf Tamin from the Betong Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), with six fire personnel supported by an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) machine and a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Also deployed was the K9 Daisy detection dog team, together with four members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), five personnel from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), and more than 30 local villagers who have joined the search.
Authorities said the discovery of the clothing provided some indication that the victim may still be within the search radius. However, her status remains unknown, and rescue teams are determined to continue operations in hopes of locating her safely.