KUANTAN: A 32-year-old logistics company worker died after experiencing breathing difficulties while hiking Bukit Galing near Jalan Haji Ahmad here yesterday.
Fire and Rescue Department personnel brought the victim downhill using a stretcher before he was pronounced dead by the medical staff at 7.20pm.
Kuantan police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said the victim had started his journey to climb Bukit Galing, 296m above ground, with three others including his nephew about 9am.
"His nephew told police that upon reaching the summit, the victim complained of breathing difficulties and had sought help from the other hikers.
"The victim appeared weak, prompting a hiker to contact for help before firemen reached the site about 1.10pm. The victim was treated with oxygen before being brought down using a stretcher.
"While descending the victim complained of chest pain before he passed out. It took about three hours to reach the foothill as the jungle trail was quite steep," he said in a statement today.
Wan Mohd Zahari said the hiker was later pronounced dead by the medical staff and his remains were taken to the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital here.
He said family members told police that the victim, a bachelor, was an active hiker and had no history of any illness.
He said the case has been classified as sudden death and the victim is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Meanwhile, Pahang Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer Zulfadli Zakaria said they were alerted about 11.50am before seven firemen from the Kuantan fire station were deployed to the scene.
"Firemen reached the summit before our Emergency Medical Rescue Services team provided initial treatment and brought the victim down. Once at the foothill, the victim was handed to the medical team," he said.