BENTONG: A 27-year-old hiker was injured when he was struck by lightning while scaling Gunung Rajah in Chamang here today.
Bentong Fire and Rescue department chief Zainal Abidin Nong Chik said the incident occured about 3pm when the victim was about 21 kilometers away from a mini hydroelectric dam where he was supposed to begin his ascent.
"Based on initial information, we believe the victim was struck by lightning while hiking between Lata Naning and Kem Batu Hijau. He was with a group of between 10 and 15 climbers.
"We are still trying to identity the victim's identity and the group of climbers he belonged to," he said, adding that 35 rescue members have been deployed to bring the victim down.
Zainal Abidin said three rescue teams have been deployed to track down the group and the team is required to travel some six hours before they can reach the victim.