BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 13 — An elderly woman was found unconscious after she was believed to have been stung by a bee while hiking at Bukit Sungai Lembu yesterday.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Assistant Director of Operations, John Sagun Francis, said the department received an emergency call at 4.35pm, prompting a team from the Bukit Mertajam Fire and Rescue Station to be dispatched to the scene.

He said the 72-year-old woman was located at 6.40pm following a search and rescue (SAR) operation conducted around the hill with assistance from members of the public.

"The victim was found unconscious before firefighters brought her down to the foot of the hill and handed her over to the medical team. She was subsequently taken to Bukit Mertajam Hospital for further treatment," he said in a statement last night.