KOTA BARU: Seven tourist guides checking jungle trails in the Gunong Stong State Park Resort in Kuala Krai here are believed to be stranded and unable to make their way out due to floods.
The group, comprising five men and two women in their 30s and 40s, started their trek up the mountain on Dec 11 but failed to return by Friday.
A colleague, Suzilan Mohd Salleh, 49, said he was informed by Bukhari Mat, one of the missing guides, that the group was going into the park to check the tracks to nearby Gunong Noring in preparation for adventure trekkers next year.
“It is true that it is the monsoon season now, but for the tour guides, this is the best time to do the work as they have no clients to attend to.
“I am not worried about their safety as they are experienced guides and have enough food for the trip,” said Suzilan, who is also the Kelantan Tourist Guides Association secretary.
He said the group last contacted another colleague on Friday asking him to bring a four-wheel drive vehicle to a meeting point at the park.
The friend, he said, waited at the spot until evening and left after the seven did not turn up.
“However, his return trip was blocked by a landslide which forced him to abandon the vehicle and make the return trip on foot.
“He managed to get out of the park at 11am today (yesterday) and immediately lodged a report on the missing guides,” Suzilan said.
A Jeli fire and rescue station spokesman, when contacted , confirmed said they received a report on the incident at 2.30pm.
He said a team of five men was dispatched to the area but they were hampered by floods at Kampung Reka.
"Another two firemen were also sent for a rescue mission to the foothills of Gunung Noring at 3pm but we are unsure if they have reached the spot by now," the spokesman said.