MARAN: The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has called for the setting up of a dedicated team for search and rescue (SAR) operations across the state.
In a posting on the Kesultanan Pahang Facebook page, Al-Sultan Abdullah said the establishment of this special team is to take charge of SAR operations involving drowning or missing persons in Sungai Pahang.
"It has become a necessity(to set up a dedicated team) because many personnel (during SAR) from outside the district and state have to be roped in each time there is a drowning or other emergencies.
"It is high time for Pahang to have a dedicated team for SAR operations. We know the hotspots are in Chenor, Temerloh, Jerantut, Lipis and Jerantut so we have to deploy personnel from several districts and state to expedite the operations...at least, the special team will conduct monitoring along the river although we know Sungai Pahang is quite long.
"Put up signages and notice boards as reminders along Sungai Pahang at each district so that people including anglers will be extra careful. Do not take things for granted at the surrounding areas near the river, including wearing proper shoes to provide grip and not easily slip," he said in his decree after participating in a SAR to look for a 53-year-old teacher who fell into Sungai Pahang near the Chenor jetty here yesterday.
Secondary school teacher Murdani was reported to have gone fishing with a friend on a raft house about 6pm when he fell into the river and was swept away by strong currents.
Meanwhile, Al-Sultan Abdullah hoped that Murdani's family would remain patient and resolute in facing this difficult time.
"I hope the SAR operation will be able to locate 'Cikgu Murdani'. I hope all those involved in the search operation will take the necessary precautionary measures due to the uncertain weather and swift flowing river," he said.
Meanwhile, Pahang Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer Zulfadli Zakaria said the SAR operation involving more than 30 personnel including divers has been expanded to a 40km radius from the spot Murdani was last seen.