GEORGE TOWN: A sleep-deprived 26-year-old hiker who lost his direction was found today, around 16 hours after getting stranded on Bukit Jambul hill here on Sunday evening.
The visibly tired Som Chay Aining had walked down the hill by himself before the search and rescue team brought him to safety,
A search and rescue operation spokesman said Som was found at a nearby hypermarket, about 5km from the scene of the incident.
“The man had walked down the hill before contacting one of his family member about 10am.
“He was then taken to the Penang Hospital for medical treatment,” he told reporters here today.
It was reported that Som Phay, who had gone hiking became lost after he diverted from the track.
Failing to find a way out, he then called the Fire and Rescue Department about 6.50pm.
A search and rescue team, comprising seven firemen, 15 civil defence personnel and four policemen mounted a search operation for Som Phay.
Meanwhile, the victim's wife, Mayuri Aisom, 24, was relieved when she received a call from the authorities that her husband had been found.
Mayuri, who married Som three months ago, said she was grateful to the authorities for immediately mounting a search and rescue operation.
“I am surprised by the incident, as he is familiar with hill track, " she said.