A female hiker, who was also a single mother, was found dead after reportedly slipping into Sungai Betis while on a hiking expedition in Pos Balar, Gua Musang.
Gua Musang District Police Chief, Superintendent Sik Choon Foo, said the victim was part of a group of 11 hikers who began their expedition on 1 May. The trek covered several mountainous areas, including Gunung Gerah, Gunung Bilah, and Gunung Biyed.
According to him, the incident is believed to have occurred at around 7.30pm on 2 May. The group was navigating through Sungai Betis in dark conditions when the victim is suspected to have lost her footing and fallen into the river.
Members of the hiking group immediately initiated a search and rescue effort that same night. However, the victim could not be located at the time, highlighting the challenges posed by the remote terrain and limited visibility.
The woman, believed to be in her 50s and from Kuala Lumpur, was eventually found at about 8am on 3 May, approximately 300 metres from where she fell. She was discovered unconscious and is believed to have died at the scene.
Police received official notification of the incident later that day at around 3.21pm, prompting the Gua Musang District Police Headquarters to coordinate a full-scale search and retrieval operation with the Fire and Rescue Department.
Rescue teams faced difficult conditions, travelling nearly four hours by four-wheel-drive vehicles before trekking on foot for almost 10 hours to reach the location. Such incidents underscore the risks associated with outdoor activities in remote areas, especially without adequate preparation.
The case has been classified as a sudden death, and the victim’s body was sent to Hospital Gua Musang for a post-mortem. Authorities have advised the public to prioritise safety, plan thoroughly, and engage experienced guides when undertaking hiking expeditions.
