Search and rescue operation to find Lim Chin Aik continues

The operation to locate food hawker Lim Chin Aik who is believed to have sunk with his car into the ground that caved in at Macalister Road when a lightning arrester collapsed during a thunderstrom on Thursday resumed at 8am today.

Penang Fire and Rescue director Azmi Tamat said the search and rescue operation by a team comprising 20 fire and rescue officers and personnel aided by contract workers and the police would continue.

He said the team started excavating around the area yesterday afternoon and only ceased temporarily at 6am this morning.

A car tyre and a dashboard were among the components recovered so far, in addition to the car chassis number which state police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi yesterday confirmed as matching that of 44-year-old Lim's car.

Meanwhile, Lim's wife Lee Chai Song, 48, arrived at the location at 7am with their two sons, Lim Chia Yiang, 20, and Lim Chia Oon, 18, and daughter Lim Hui Jiun, 13, to recite prayers.

Lim's parents, Lim Tian Chor, 73, and Ang Kim Looi, 70, and his sister Lim Lye Suan, 40, were also with them.

Lye Suan said the family had not lost hope of finding her brother alive and were tracing places that her brother used to frequent and also through Facebook.