More villagers join in search for Malaysian trekker Lee in Nepal

More villagers and trekkers joined in the search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate Malaysian amateur trekker Dennis Lee Thian Poh who went missing during a trek in Nepal, about 11 days ago.

Kathmandu's Malaysian Embassy Charge d'Affaires, Fadli Adilah said news on Lee's disappearance and the offer of a US$2,000 reward to locate the businessman were relayed through local newspapers, radio and television stations, which in turn, led to an increase in the search party.

"This reward is meant to be an incentive and hopefully, more people can be enticed and inspired to join in the search teams," he said in a statement today.

Lee's family had recently announced the reward to any individual or group which could assist in finding him.

Fadli said the embassy had appealed to the respective Nepali authorities, including the foreign ministry, home ministry, tourism ministry and the police to continue their assistance to locate Lee.

"Yesterday was the Nepali New Year 2072...we pray it brings new hope and a good result to our continuous efforts to find Mr Dennis Lee soon. Amiin," he added.

Lee, 47, had joined eight colleagues from the Philippines to scale the Annapurna circuit in Nepal.

The group only became aware of his disappearance at the Khopra Danda Track in the Ghorepani area - on the first day of their circuit climb.