GEORGE TOWN: The search for a missing hiker at a hill near Surin Condominium here is under way and experienced hikers who may be able to help are urged to join the effort.

       Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari said those who want to join the search for the missing woman may register with the Fire and Rescue Department behind Leader Garden on Jalan Chan Siew Tong before 3pm.

       “For safety purposes, we hope only those who are experienced and familiar with the route would join the search.

       “A second team will begin searching around 3pm,” he said on social media on Sunday (Jan 9).

       The search for the hiker began on Saturday (Jan 8) after she began hiking from Botanical Garden at 4.30pm and reportedly lost her way around the hills near Surin Condominium around 6pm.

       At the time of writing, the search is still ongoing with the help of the Civil Defence Force, Fire and Rescue Department and voluntary firemen squads from Mount Erskine, Penang Hill and Paya Terubong.