Eight undergraduates missing in hiking trip rescued

YAN: Eight undergraduates from the Engineering campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Nibong Tebal, were found safe after they were reported missing in a hiking trip to Gunung Jerai here for more than 12 hours since Saturday.
The USM’s electrical and engineering students, aged between 23 and 24, were stranded on a hill located 7km away from the peak of the mountain at 8.13pm. The eight began their hiking trip at 10am on Saturday.
The students are Edwin Ng Yan Chen, Redza Ali Akhbar, Wong Kok Nian, Hooi Han Yeap, Ong Soon Lih, Loh Khang Sheng, Darwinder Ray and Poon Chun Yip.
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department deputy chief Liew Tong Sin said the eight, who were final year students, were rescued at about 9.23am today in a search and rescue operation.
“Two of them, Darwinder and Poon, suffered injuries on their hands and legs respectively after falling down while hiking, “ he told reporters at the scene today.
He said a team of 41, including rescue department personnel, policemen, Rela, and experienced hikers were roped in to locate the eight students.
“The Fire and Rescue Department a received distress call from the victims around 8.13pm and immediately reached the foot of the hill at 8.35pm. The rescue operation began at 12.30am after coordinating the plan to ascertain their location,” Liew said, adding the students were planning to hike up the peak of the mountain.
At press time, the two injured victims sought treatment on the hill while six others were accompanied to safety by Fire and Rescue Department personnel.