Missing Singapore hikers rescued after three days

KULAI: Two Singaporean hikers who went missing at Gunung Pulai near here since Monday were found at 11.45am yesterday.

Dominick Tan Chang Xiang and Clarice Lum Jie were spotted by a police helicopter at Ulu Choh Pontian, which is near a lake. A rescue boat was sent to get them.

The Fire and Rescue Department and the police K9 Unit deployed personnel to the forest reserve area after receiving a distress call from Tan at 5.40pm on Monday. His mobile phone signal dropped at about 10pm.

Johor Fire and Rescue Department (Operations) assistant director Mohd Rizal Buang said the helicopter spotted someone in the water while scouring the area near the reservoir.

The hikers walked closer to the reservoir after hearing the sound of the helicopter.

They had survived on several pieces of biscuits and dry food during their ordeal after walking 50km from the gate of Gunung Pulai.

Tan and Lum were sent to the Pontian Hospital for medical checkups after their rescue. They left the hospital at 2.30pm and declined to speak to reporters waiting at the lobby.

Tan’s father expressed appreciation to all parties involved in locating the duo.

They had earlier driven to Johor Baru on Monday and parked their car at the Kulai entry gate for their hike up Gunung Pulai.