Missing M'sian Hikers: SAR To Focus On Eastern Vazmin Route If Weather Permits

By S. Chandravathani PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), Nov 24 (Bernama) -- An ongoing search and rescue (SAR) mission for two Malaysian hikers reported missing on Mount Damarvand in Iran since Sunday, will focus on the Eastern Vazmin route. Expedition head Rozaimi Md Said however, said the SAR mission would only be carried out if the weather was permissable. "There is possibility the search and rescue mission might be postponed due to thick snowfall of 25-30cm since yesterday (Wednesday). "If the mission can be carried out, then I will join the search for the missing climbers," he told Bernama via WhatsApp application here Thursday. Determined to conquer Iran's highest peak, missing climbers, Syed Redzuan Syed Salim Shatri, 50, and Ramli Abd Majid, 44, continued the climb despite being advised to turn back as there was insufficient time. Rozaimi said he and his team were in talks with the Iran Embassy and the SAR team on the usage of a rescue helicopter for the mission. "We have requested for a helicopter, either belonging to the authorities or the army or even a paid commercial one. "At the same time, we will also go to the Mountaineering Federation of Iran in Polour today (Wednesday), for more information on the missing duo," he said. Meanwhile, Rozaimi said a meeting involving the SAR team, embassy and family members of the missing duo would be arranged to inform the relevant parties on the progress of the expedition and SAR mission. -- BERNAMA