Lost sexagenarian found safe after missing for a week

JELI - Zikr and selawat were what kept 76-year old retiree Yaakub Ismail going when he got lost in a durian and fruit orchard in Kampung Pasir Dusun, here, before he was found safe on Wednesday.

Yaakub who went missing since May 19 was found by the public in a search and rescue operation at about 6.45pm.

The victim's son, Mohd Sufian Yaakub, 49, said his father had never stopped reciting zikr and selawat while trying to find a way out of the orchard.

"My father also ate bananas, tree leaves and drank water from the tributaries of the river to survive.

“That was among the things he (father) shared with me as soon as we found him," he said when contacted on Thursday.

Mohd Sufian said he was thankful that his father was found conscious although the latter looked a bit weak.

“Alhamdulillah, my father is getting better and he is now resting at home in Kampung Berangan, Tumpat.

"I would like to thank the police, the fire and rescue department, the Civil Defence Force, the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela), traditional medicine practitioners and residents of the village who had helped find my father," he said.

Meanwhile, Jeli district police chief Superintendent Ahmad Ariffin said the victim who did not sustain any injuries was conscious and was able to speak when he was found.