Kuching 24 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – Search and rescue operations are ongoing for an Australian woman who went missing while descending Mount Santubong, as authorities intensify efforts to locate her in difficult terrain.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the incident was reported on the night of April 23 after the hiker, identified as Belinda Lapier, was believed to have slipped while making her way down the mountain.
Rescuers initially managed to establish contact with the woman earlier in the day through forest rangers, who traced her last known position along the F7 trail. Although her voice was reportedly heard, teams were unable to determine her exact location due to the rugged and forested environment.
A multi-agency search operation involving firefighters, police and forest personnel was launched shortly after the report was received, with teams navigating steep slopes and dense jungle conditions in an effort to reach her.
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Authorities said communication was later re-established with the hiker, allowing rescuers to narrow down the search area and deploy specialised teams using alternative routes to access the suspected location.
Despite the challenges posed by terrain and limited visibility, search efforts are continuing as authorities work urgently to locate and safely rescue the missing hiker.-The Capital Post