Search expands for six overdue Kelantan hikers

Rescue teams are preparing a land, water and air search for six people feared missing after a hiking trip at Gunung Trans Gerah in Lojing, Kelantan, with the group four days overdue.

The six - two mountain guides and four members of one family - began the hike on August 29 and were expected to emerge from the forest on September 3. Their relatives lodged a report on Saturday after they did not return as planned.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon said agencies were coordinating the search, which is being organised from Gerik and will use Pos Kemar as the forward control post.

Teams moving by water and land

Three boats are due to take eight members of the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team and five fire and rescue mountain guides from Trojan Jetty in Gerik to Pos Kemar. A further 12 Forestry Mountain Guides are travelling from Sungai Siput in four-wheel-drive vehicles, with the road journey expected to take about four hours.

The operation brings together the police, Forestry Department, Department of Wildlife and National Parks, General Operations Force, fire and rescue personnel and Forestry Mountain Guides.

Aerial survey planned

The Northern Region fire service air unit was scheduled to fly from Bertam Air Base for an aerial survey, beginning at the last point where the group was seen on September 1. Officials said the flight would help identify possible routes for ground teams.

A canine unit has arrived and is on standby, but had not yet been deployed while the final search plan and ground deployment were being decided. A multi-agency meeting was continuing at Gerik District Police Headquarters.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

Visitors planning remote hikes in Malaysia should use qualified local guides, leave a clear route and return plan with someone on the ground, and allow extra time for difficult terrain and weather. This case also underlines why family or travel companions should know when to contact authorities if a group fails to return.

September 7 2026