Tuaran: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a 5-year-old autistic boy with special needs, feared missing since last Sunday in Kampung Bahagia Dua, Tamparuli, has been expanded to a 5-km radius on Tuesday.
As of 4pm, no leads have been found in the search for Muhd Aniq Faiz Muhammad Ashraf.
Tuaran District Police Chief, Supt Noraidin Ag Maidin, said the operation entered its third day on Tuesday, commencing at 6am.
“The search radius has been expanded up to 5km from the Incident Control Post, covering land areas, hills and the Tuaran River around Tamparuli. However, there have been no developments yet. Any updates will be conveyed periodically,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tuaran District Fire and Rescue Station Chief, Mohammad Nor Amit, said 12 personnel, including three K9 unit members, are involved in the operation.
“The operation is also supported by nine firefighters from Kota Kinabalu, Lintas and Putatan, including the Kota Kinabalu Zone Water Rescue Unit.
“Other assisting agencies include the police, Marine Police Force, Civil Defence Force, non-governmental organisation Jalinan Kasih, D’Bayu Drone Club, Kiulu White Water Rafting and members of the public,” he added.
Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau was also present to monitor the SAR efforts.
The Tuaran Parliamentary Service Centre also provided food and drinks to the rescue teams.
The boy was reported missing by family members when he could not be found at home around 1.30pm on Sunday.
Initial search around the house only uncovered the child’s doll in the yard before authorities were notified to escalate the search.
