KUCHING: The Japanese Embassy has thanked the state government for rescuing an injured Japanese researcher who was stranded on Mt Mulu in Miri on Dec 5.
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Makio Miyagawa conveyed the embassy’s gratitude in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg dated Dec 21.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Miri Fire and Rescue Department and Borsamulu Park Management Sdn Bhd.
His excellency also sent a separate letter of appreciation to the Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Mohamad Hamdan Wahid.
The injured Japanese researcher Akihiro Noda, 25, was with two other colleagues, also from Japan, and three local porters when he slipped and fell into a ravine and landed in stream below while hiking at Mt Mulu. The Japanese were there to carry out research on frogs found at Mt Mulu.
The Fire and Rescue Department deployed its air unit to airlift Akihiro who suffered injuries on his backbone and ribs before flying him to Miri Hospital.
The rescue mission was delayed for two days due to bad weather.
““He (Akihiro) received kind treatment at the Miri National Hospital and was flown to Japan on Dec 23.
“His family and our staff members on site were touched by all the dedications demonstrated by the people concerned, especially those listed as attached. We, the people of Japan, will never forget their kindness,” said Makio.
The ambassador specifically named team members of BMB565 comprising Malaysian Aiforce (TUDM) pilot Lt. Kol Khairul Anuar Shamsudin, TUDM Major Zahrolayali Abdyl Talib, Zulkarnain Othman, Kevin Kanaly Jingel, Azman Rasip, Mohd Suffian Mat Hussin, Muhamad Nurul Redzuan Mohd Taib and Dicto Jaznatile Jaikol, Miri Fire and Rescue Department superintendent Law Poh Kiong and his senior officials and Borsamulu Park Management Sdn Bhd management and staff comprising Park Manager Hein Gerstner, Biang, Layang Nicholas, Jarett and Majak in his letter of thanks.
