KIULU: The mystery surrounding the disappearance of a man in Kampung Paka here since March 19 remains unsolved as he has yet to be found after 17 days.
Jantanius Paulus, 35, went missing around 1.30pm while at a plantation near a forested area with a friend.
The friend and complainant, 49-year-old Jefly Bayang, said the search and rescue (SAR) operation carried out by rescue teams for seven days was called off on March 17 without any leads.
However, he noted that private search efforts are still being continued by villagers and the victim’s family members around the vicinity of the incident.
“As of today (Thursday), no clues have been found. Nevertheless, we remain hopeful and believe the victim is safe,” he said.
Jefly said the victim had previously received treatment at Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, and it is believed he may have run out of the medication he was required to take on schedule at the time of the disappearance.
Members of the public who have any information are urged to come forward and assist by calling 011-72241153 or reporting to the nearest police station.
In KENINGAU, the SAR operation for a second victim, 10-year-old Muhammad Aidan Ridwan, feared drowned entered its third day Thursday.
Keningau Fire and Rescue Station Chief Serevinus @ Mohd Nidzam Sinkui said the SAR team from Keningau Fire Station, together with personnel from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), as well as members of the public, conducted surface searching from 9.30am.
To enhance and optimise the operation, the SAR team was divided into two tactical groups.
He said the first SAR team focused its search within a one-kilometre radius from the location where the victim was initially reported missing.
The second SAR team expanded the search scope to a five-kilometre radius, beginning from Sungai Ansip and following the waterway towards Sungai Melalap in Tenom.
Serevinus said the first victim, identified as 60-year-old Fredoline Yariki, the grandfather of the missing boy, was found dead on Wednesday.
