Azlan Othman

The uncle of the rescued hikers who got lost during hiking at Tasek Lama Recreational Park near the capital on Saturday evening, thanked the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), Royal Brunei Police Force and a guide, Andrew, who were able to trace their whereabouts.

Recalling the incident, Alidin bin Haji Yahya told the Bulletin yesterday that the hikers are glad to be back.

“One of the hikers, Mohd Ali Azri, was in a daze, looking right and left to get out of the jungle while the eldest was in fear upon noticing that they were lost in the middle of the jungle.

“They were trying to return but to no avail. There was something that hindered them from returning to the base. It is advisable to return if it is already dark, after Maghrib or dusk especially if you are unfamiliar with the hiking track,” he said.

“Luckily their handphone was still functioning and they were able to send the location through their phone,” he added. The hikers ended up stranded on Bukit Sarang Helang.

The FRD on Sunday said teams from the Bandar Seri Begawan Fire Station and Special Squad were called to the scene for two adults and four children who had wandered off the trail, lost in the dark.

Led by DSO Haji Md Yunus, the search-and-rescue teams trekked up the hill and located the family at 8.08pm, about 2.5 kilometres from the Tasek Lama parking area.

No injuries were reported. The FRD reminded the public not to hike in uncertain weather conditions, especially after 5.30pm.