The armed forces said Syafiq Hilmi Abd Halim was deployed as a security escort for the department to conduct demarcation and surveying of the Malaysia-Brunei border in Ulu Tutong and Bebuloh in Limbang from June 11 to Sept 2.

He was discovered missing by his group leader at about noon on June 18 about 2km from the survey site.

“Efforts to locate him were carried out by the group, comprising two members of the armed forces and five from the department of survey and mapping, but they were unsuccessful,” the armed forces said in a statement.

The search efforts were intensified from June 19, involving the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the police and the fire and rescue department.

“Brunei’s armed forces also mobilised their assets to assist in the joint search effort,” the statement added.