Police are intensifying the search for British tourist Gareth David Huntley, 34, missing since May 27 in Pulau Tioman, and have hence, refuted claims that police were not serious in handling the case.

Pahang police chief Sharifuddin Ab Ghani said police, led by Rompin district police chief DSP Johari Jahaya, were serious in the search-and-rescue (SAR) operation for the Briton since he was reported missing.

On May 27, Huntley, who was staying at the Penyu Juara Chalet in Kampung Juara, Pulau Tioman, had gone to the Lubuk Teja waterfall area on the island alone around noon.