KUALA TERENGGANU: The search and rescue operation (SAR) for eight victims who were reported missing in Jeram Mawar, Air Putih in Kemaman was halted due to fear of another water surge phenomenon.
Head of Zone 2 of the Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department, Azman Alias said the first day operation ended at about 6pm today due to heavy rain around the SAR location.
He said 37 personnel, including those from Fire and Rescue stations of Dungun, Kemaman, Cheneh as well as Kemaman police and Civil Defence Force were deployed for today's operation which started about 3pm.
"Besides the bad and uncertain weather, we also had to end the SAR operation early because we are worried about the threat of wild animals," he told Bernama, pointing out that there is a forest reserve nearby.
Azman said his department also expects more personnel and equipment for tomorrow's SAR operation which will resume at 8am.
He said tracker dogs from the Fire and Rescue Department and police K9 Units will be called up to assist the search.
"Apart from that, we are also asking the help of the General Operations Force and may even use drones in the search effort," he said.
In the meantime, he advised the public not to carry out any activities at the area due to the risk of water surge. -- Bernama