BALING: The Search And Rescue (SAR) operation for missing autistic boy Muhammad Fayyad Affan Mohd Fakhri, 4, was officially suspended today after three days with no fresh leads.

However, Baling police chief Superintendent Azmi Mokhtar said police and the Fire and Rescue Department remain open to any new information regarding the child. Officers will continue patrolling the Sungai Kupang area daily to monitor developments.

"Despite three days of searching, we found no leads. The police and fire department's control post at the site has been closed because the search area has expanded, making it unnecessary to remain there," he said.

Azmi said fire department personnel conducted diving operations and patrols up to Kuala Pegang but found no new information.

"Today's search covered a seven- to eight-kilometre radius along the river, but no evidence of the victim was found. We are unsure whether the child fell into the river or got lost in the forest, but we continue searching the suspected areas. The river current remains strong," he added.

Baling Fire and Rescue Station chief Zulkhairi Mat Tanjil said searches along Sungai Kupang, including efforts by the department's K-9 unit, yielded no signs of the missing child.

The operation, called off at 6.30pm, reached a dead end, but patrols and monitoring will continue, with any findings reported to the police.

Earlier, the media reported that the boy was last seen leaving his home at the Drainage and Irrigation Department Quarters in Kampung Landak Paya, Kupang, on Friday.

His family discovered his disappearance after reviewing CCTV footage, which showed him walking alone at 12.50pm.

The SAR operation, launched the same day, involved multiple agencies, including the fire department, police, and Civil Defence Force.

However, as of today, no leads have been found.