KUALA LIPIS: The heartbroken family of Rosdan Mat, who went missing three weeks ago in Kampung Redan, Mela, near here are hoping for a closure.
The search operations for the 52-year-old, who is said to be suffering from mental health issues and was reported missing since June 28, had entered its 22nd day today.
His sister Fauziah Mat, 48, said the family members were prepared for any outcome and were keeping their hope alive that Rosdan would be found soon.
"I hope my brother will be found soon...even if he is dead. The family is prepared to accept the reality that my brother may no longer be around.
"My brother had previously gone missing for three days in 2016, but he returned home safely. This time, it is going to be almost three weeks without any news and the whole family is extremely worried," she said.
Rosdan's brother-in-law, Adnan Mat Isa, 52, said the search operation did not only focus around the village area, but also at the rubber estates along Jalan Jerantut-Lipis and Mela town.
"The surrounding villagers were informed about Rosdan's disappearance and people were on the lookout for him. Word has spread around the nearby villages about the ongoing search operation so people are aware that someone is missing.
"Villagers held the solat hajat (special prayer) and Yasin recital to help ease the search operations, and hopefully Rosdan will be found soon," he said.
Adnan said the search-and-rescue (SAR) operation members had set up camp in the village for more than 20 days, and their search had covered the entire settlement area, including revisiting certain areas on several occasions.
"I was informed that the SAR operation will continue till the end of the month and if there are now new leads, the operation will be halted. The authorities will only resume searching if they find any fresh leads," he said.
District police chief Superintendent Ismail Man said the SAR members had covered more than 8 km radius on foot, but they did not locate the missing man.
"We have only recovered a red necklace with beads, which Rosdan is believed to be wearing before he went missing. We have searched the vicinity (where the necklace was found), but did not find him," he said.
Rosdan was reported missing after his brother-in-law Adnan, who went to his unnumbered house in Kampung Redan about 8am on June 28, could not locate him anywhere.