S'porean dies on hiking trip in Malaysia

SINGAPORE — A 43-year-old Singaporean man drowned on Saturday (Feb 6) during a hiking trip in Pahang, Malaysian media reported today.

A local police official said that the accident occurred at 5pm on Saturday.

The man is believed to be Nawaz Marican, a former journalist. According to reports, Mr Marican was swept away by a column of water as he attempted to cross the Kuala Luis river. Mr Marican was believed to be part of a group of 25 hikers, of whom three were foreigners, planning to scale Mount Tahan. The 2,187m mountain is Peninsular Malaysia’s highest peak.

Participants of the hike alerted the police to the accident before embarking on a search and rescue operation with the assistance of firemen and tour guides.

“(His) body was found some 5km from the spot he was last seen, (at) about 7.30pm,” The New Straits Times quoted police official Abdul Razak Hassan as saying. Mr Hassan also said that arrangements were being made for Mr Marican’s body to be returned to Singapore for his funeral.

Tributes to Mr Marican have been made on his Facebook page. He is believed to be survived by his wife and three sons.

The hike was to have lasted about five days, beginning on Saturday and ending this Wednesday.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed Mr Marican’s demise and are assisting the family.

In response to TODAY’s queries, an MFA spokesman said the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur was informed of the Singaporean’s demise yesterday.

The MFA said: "We contacted the next-of-kin (NOK) immediately. Our High Commission is in touch with their Malaysian counterparts, and is providing consular assistance to the NOK."

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," the MFA added.