PASIR PUTEH: A young man was reported missing after he was believed to have fled into the forest area near the Tok Bali fishing village here on Monday.

Pasir Puteh district police chief DSP Endiansha Endal said during the incident, Ahmad Zul Mukriz Zakaria, 22, was on his way to dispose of the rubbish at about noon but fled into the nearby forest when he came across a police car patrolling the area.

"His family members lodged a report at the Cherang Ruku Police Station yesterday when the man did not return home," he told reporters here today.

Endiansha said following the report, police have launched a search and rescue operation but failed to locate the man.

"The operation continues today involving 44 members of various government agencies," he said.

-- BERNAMA