Police probe external factors in search for missing teen hiker

KUALA KUBU BARU: Police are investigating external factors and gathering information from close contacts of teenager Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, who was reported missing while hiking at Bukit Changkat Asa in Tanjong Malim last Saturday.

Hulu Selangor police chief Assistant Commissioner Ibrahim Husin said the search team’s assessment of the trail suggested it was unlikely the victim had suffered a direct physical mishap.

He said police would be interviewing her close friends, workplace contacts, schoolmates and family members to obtain a clearer picture of the circumstances.

“We will obtain details from her close friends, workplace, schoolmates and relatives to get a clearer picture of the situation.

“The search will proceed from two angles because we cannot rely on a single assumption. While the physical search at the location continues, an external investigation will also be carried out,” he told reporters at the Incident Command Post here today.

Ibrahim said today’s search and rescue operation involved the use of drones equipped with thermal imaging technology.

He said attempts to track the teenager’s mobile phone were unsuccessful as the device was either switched off or had run out of battery.

“With current technology, we can only trace a phone’s location through telecommunication towers when it is active. However, the phone is currently off, making it untraceable,” he said.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department Rawang zone chief Mustakim Rimon said the search operation was suspended at 6.30pm and would resume tomorrow morning.

Nur Izzati Humaira, 19, was reported missing at 10.50am last Saturday while descending the hill with her family. She is believed to have walked ahead alone after feeling unwell and tired.

She was last seen wearing a long brown hijab, a dark green long-sleeved shirt, black trousers and blue shoes.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times