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PETALING JAYA: A soldier who went missing during Operation Survey in Limbang, Sarawak, on June 18 was found safe and well by a search and rescue (SAR) team this morning.

The army said Private Syafiq Hilmi Abd Halim from the 7th Battalion of the Border Regiment successfully traced the signs of the search route placed around the search area, leading him to locate a forward operating base.

“He was found safe, complete with equipment and weapons, but weak due to hunger and dehydration,” it said in a statement, adding that Syafiq’s family will be flown to Sarawak soon.

It was reported earlier that Syafiq went missing while being deployed as a security escort for the Sarawak department of survey and mapping to conduct demarcation and surveying of the Malaysia-Brunei border at Ulu Tutong and Bebuloh in Limbang.

The army thanked the agencies involved in the search, including the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the police, the fire and rescue department, and the survey and mapping department.

“We also wish to express our profound gratitude to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces for the assistance and support provided throughout the SAR operation,” it said.

It said Brunei’s involvement was a symbol of the close bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The army said it will investigate the cause of the incident so that it can refine its SOPs.