Kpg Rambai folk go all out to look for missing elderly villager

The villagers of Kampung Rambai in Bekenu are still looking for Habibah Taha, 74, who has gone missing since she went out to look for ‘ midin’ (wild fern tips) early Monday.

According to village headman Amir Imran, one of Habibah’s grandchildren went to her house late afternoon (on Monday) and discovered that it was closed and the food sent by some family members from the city earlier was still on the veranda.

“One of the villagers told them that Habibah went out to look for ‘midin’ in the morning.

“The family members and some villagers immediately set out to look for her, which went on until 7pm.

“The search resumed this morning (yesterday),” he told The Borneo Post here, adding that they are covering areas said to be where Habibah used to go to look for ‘midin’, which are not far from her house.

The search yesterday had to be halted at 3pm due to sudden downpour, but it resumed after the rain stopped.

According to Amir, Habibah is still fit despite her age and can still walk around the village by herself.

He also said one of Habibah’s grandchildren lodged a missing person report at Bekenu police station at 11am yesterday.

“We are waiting for the police, Fire and Rescue Department and People’s Volunteer Corps ( Rela) to come and help in the search operation,” he added.

It is understood that Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus, who is Bekenu assemblywoman, has been informed of the case by the officer in charge of her service centre.

Meanwhile, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang – who is currently in Kuala Lumpur – urged his officers to prepare food and drinks for members of the search party.

“As a ‘ wakil rakyat’ ( elected representative), I must take care of the people’s welfare and wellbeing during times of emergency and distress. I pray that they will find the elderly villager,” he said when contacted yesterday.

At the same time, he also urged the fishermen and those travelling via rivers or at sea to take extra care this time around.

“All parents must monitor their children and keep watch on their whereabouts, especially those living by the river or the seaside.

As at press time, the rescuers had yet to locate Habibah.