KOTA KINABALU: Personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department were led on a wild goose chase when a man reported missing in Tuaran, turned out to be a runaway.

       The 32-year-old had gone into the jungle at Kg Giling, Tuaran, for some unknown reasons on Sept 11, and did not return home since then.

       His family lodged a missing person’s report on Sept 20, fearing for his safety, said State Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Misran Bisara.

       He said a search and rescue operation was immediately mounted for the man.

       On the third day of the operation (Sept 22), rescuers saw the man at a farm inside the jungle at about 4.30pm, but he ran as soon as he saw the rescuers.

       “We are not sure why he ran away but this case has been transferred to the police for further action,” he said.

       Tuaran OCPD Deputy Supt Hamizi Halim did elaborate, adding that they are investigating the case.