A PRE-DAWN search operation for a man reported missing after attending a wedding reception in Padawan ended on a light-hearted note when he was found fast asleep beside a washing machine at a neighbour's home.
The disappearance had initially sparked concern among relatives, who feared something may have happened to the man after he failed to return from the wedding gathering in Kampung Sira.
Family members eventually sought assistance from emergency authorities after repeated attempts to locate him proved unsuccessful.
A spokesperson for the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department's Operations Control Centre said a distress call regarding the missing individual was received at 4.39am, prompting the deployment of personnel from the Siburan Fire and Rescue Station.
Two firefighters travelling in a Toyota Hilux utility vehicle arrived at the village at approximately 5.14am to assess the situation and prepare for a search operation.
"Initial investigations found that the victim, who is the complainant's brother-in-law, attended a wedding ceremony at a church in the village last night before being reported missing.
"After eating and drinking at the event, he reportedly left to relieve himself and could no longer be located," the spokesperson said in a statement.
Upon arrival, firefighters gathered information from relatives and villagers while preparing to coordinate a wider search effort involving police personnel, family members and local residents.
However, before the operation could be fully launched, villagers made an unexpected discovery.
"After collecting information, firefighters were preparing to begin a search operation together with police, family members and villagers.
"However, the victim was found safe by villagers at about 6am after he was discovered asleep beside a washing machine at a neighbour's house," the spokesperson said.
The man was assessed after being found and was confirmed to have suffered no injuries or health complications.
With the missing person safely accounted for, the operation was officially called off at 6.09am.
The incident brought a swift and relieved end to what had briefly become a worrying search effort, with family members able to laugh off the episode after learning that the missing wedding guest had simply fallen asleep in an unexpected location. - May 30, 2026
