Hikers saved thanks to bonfire
It was easier to locate them, says rescue department officer
GEORGE TOWN: A bonfire created by nine hikers led to their rescue after they lost their way in Penang Hill.
The nine, aged between 18 and 61, had started their trek from the Chin Farm Waterfall in Teluk Bahang and were believed to have lost their way.
They were found at 1am and brought down at 5.20am yesterday.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department (fire operation and safety) officer Supt Nafis Ariff Abdullah said the bonfire played a major part in the rescue operation.
“The bonfire helped us in locating them,” he said.
The search and rescue operation began at 7.27pm on Tuesday after a distress call was received from one of the hikers through the MERS999 hotline.
Firemen in two vehicles from the Bagan Jermal and Paya Terubong fire stations were despatched for the search and rescue mission.
It is learnt that the department had contacted the victim who made the emergency call by telephone and informed them that they were probably in the area of Wand Gate 7 of Penang Hill.
Supt Nafis said his men braved the rough and wet terrain, adding that fallen trees and branches along the route slowed the rescue operation down.
“It was a wet and rough terrain due to intermittent rain over the past few days and the hiker’s trail was slippery.
“While the terrain was tough, it was easier to locate the hikers as they were in constant contact with us and we managed to find them within six hours,” he said.
It was a wet and rough terrain due to intermittent rain over the past few days and the hiker’s trail was slippery. Supt Nafis Ariff Abdullah