Latest news with #BernadetteJoeman
Daily Express
02-05-2025
- Daily Express
French tourists rescued after going off Sepilok trail
Published on: Thursday, May 01, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 01, 2025 By: Jessie Lee Text Size: Pierre (right) and Charlene at Sepilok Laut Reception Centre. Photo credit: Bernadette Joeman. Kota Kinabalu: Two French tourists were guided back safely after going off-trail in Sepilok, highlighting the swift response and strong safety commitment of Sabah's eco-tourism operators. Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Manager Bernadette Joeman said Santarelli Antoine Pierre and Girodet Charlene were eventually brought back to RDC by rangers. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of trail awareness, she said. She said the trail system is designed to keep visitors safe and help them enjoy the experience without worry, as long as they stay on the designated paths. 'Our trails are wide, five to six feet, maintained and cleaned regularly by the Forestry Department. 'There are clear markers every few hundred metres and large maps showing 'you are here',' she said. Bernadette said it is important to keep our tourists safe, adding that international visitors are vital to sustain the centre's long-term operations. Bernadette said the incident coincided with a temporary disruption in RDC's landline, prompting the tourists to call emergency services. 'I received a call from the fire and rescue department asking if anyone had gone hiking to Sepilok Laut. 'I checked with our reception and confirmed that they had bought permits to hike the Mangrove Trail in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest at around 8am. 'During the hike, they went off-trail and became lost,' she said, adding that her team immediately coordinated with the fire and rescue department and the police after having pinpointed their location via a phone call. 'The rangers, arranged by the Sandakan District Forest Office, guided them back to the main trail and a boat was arranged to meet them at the Sepilok Laut Reception Centre,' Bernadette added. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
29-04-2025
- Daily Express
RDC proves safety standards after french duo rescued from off-trail detour
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 By: Jessie Lee Text Size: The rescued french duo KOTA KINABALU: The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok has reaffirmed its strong safety protocols and swift emergency response after two French tourists, who strayed off a marked trail, were safely rescued with coordinated support from local authorities. RDC Manager Bernadette Joeman said the incident underscores the importance of adhering to designated paths, which are clearly marked and regularly maintained to ensure a safe visitor experience. 'Our trails are wide, well-kept, and equipped with directional markers and maps to help visitors navigate confidently,' she said, stressing that the centre prioritises tourist safety as part of its environmental education mission. The tourists, Santarelli Antoine Pierre and Girodet Charlene, had gone off-trail along the Mangrove Trail in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest on Monday. A coincidental landline outage prompted them to contact emergency services directly. RDC quickly verified their permits and activated a response involving the fire department, police, and Sandakan District Forest Office. Rangers located the pair and escorted them to the Sepilok Laut Reception Centre, where Bernadette personally ensured their wellbeing. 'They were safe and thankful,' she said, adding that the centre's efficient system worked exactly as intended. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
