TAPAH, June 8 — Female climber Jaslinda Saludin has lost almost 10 kilogrammes after being missing for 14 days while climbing Gunung Batu Putih.

Tapah Hospital director Dr Wan Immi Salim however said that Jaslinda, 49, was in very stable condition and was able to eat and communicate very well.

“Her leg was in cast due to the injuries suffered but God willing she will recover quickly with rehabilitation and treatment,” she said when met by reporters at Tapah Hospital here today.

Earlier, Dr Wan Immi accompanied Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman Datuk A. Sivanesan and state Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi to visit Jaslinda at the hospital.

In addition, she said that examinations found that the victim had several injuries to her body as a result of being in the forest for a long period of time and it is expected that she will be allowed to return home in the near future.

Asked about the emotional state of the victim, Dr Wan Immi said Jaslinda showed high spirits and a positive attitude throughout receiving treatment and that this was the main factor that helped the victim recover quickly.

Meanwhile, Mohd Azlan shared that Jaslinda had informed that she wanted to recover quickly and be discharged from the hospital because she wanted to return to work and attend her son’s convocation ceremony later.

“I saw that although there was a slight injury to her leg, I am confident that in a few days she will be able to go out and continue her life as usual,” he said.

Last Saturday, Jaslinda was found in a weak condition near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh at about 5pm by several Orang Asli residents.

The woman was reported missing while participating in the Trans Spencer Chapman hike on May 23 via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route together with 13 individuals and two forestry mountain guides. — Bernama 

TAPAH, June 7 — The female climber who was found safe after going missing in the Gunung Batu Putih area, Jaslinda Saludin, 49, found two notes left by the search and rescue (SAR) team at Kem Air Busok during the operation.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations, Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the notes were with Jaslinda when she was found yesterday before being shown to the fire department.

“The note was left by a forestry mountain guide (MGP) known as Hafiz while conducting a search in the Kem Air Busok area on May 30.

“On that day, the search team focused on the route from Pos Musoh to Kem Air Busok and the note was left as an indication that the SAR team had passed through the area,” he said.

Sabarodzi said, based on information obtained, Jaslinda only arrived in the Kem Air Busok area on Friday (June 5), which is the day before she was found by Orang Asli residents in Kampung Lubuk Gaharu.

“The discovery of the note shows that Jaslinda had been near the route that the SAR team had travelled throughout the search operation,” he said.

One of the notes shared with the media read “Kak Jas please stay in one place, people are looking for you – Hafiz.”

Previously, Jaslinda was reported to have joined the climb with 13 other climbers and two MGP via the Trans Spencer Chapman route which started at 2 am, May 23 via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

Jaslinda and another climber, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, were reported to have suffered health problems and stopped climbing. However, the supply chain executive at a private company is believed to have continued on to the summit before being last seen on May 24. — Bernama

IPOH, June 6 — Hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who went missing while trekking Gunung Batu Putih near Tapah on May 24, was found safe near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh, this afternoon.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon said the private company supply chain executive was found by a villager, Nazri Bah Eng, at about 3 pm.

“Upon finding the victim, he informed his nephew in Johor, who then lodged a report with the authorities,” he said in a statement today.

He said Jaslinda was in a safe condition and had been temporarily placed at the residence of the Tok Batin of Kampung Lubuk Gaharu while the relevant authorities coordinated the next course of action.

Jaslinda was part of a group of 14 hikers and two Forestry Mountain Guides who began the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition at 2 am on May 23 via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

She and fellow hiker Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, reportedly encountered health problems and stopped the climb. However, Jaslinda later continued towards the summit and was last seen on May 24 before being reported missing. — Bernama

TAPAH, June 7 — Female hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who was found safe yesterday after going missing for 14 days at Gunung Batu Putih, remains in stable condition but requires further treatment and monitoring at Tapah Hospital.

Perak Health Director Datuk Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said Jaslinda underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan at Teluk Intan Hospital early this morning as part of efforts to assess her condition.

“Initial examinations found that the victim did not suffer any serious injuries. However, she still requires close monitoring and several additional examinations to ensure her recovery progresses well,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

He said the duration of her hospital stay would depend on her recovery progress and the outcome of further medical assessments.

Jaslinda was found in a weak condition near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh, at about 5pm yesterday by a resident of the village.

She was reported missing while taking part in the Trans Spencer Chapman hiking expedition on May 23 along the Pos Gedung–Gunung Bah Gading–Gunung Batu Putih–Kuala Woh route with 13 other participants and two Forestry Mountain Guides. — Bernama

IPOH, June 5 — Members of the public and non-Malim Gunung Perhutanan (MGP) members are barred from joining the search and rescue operation for a female hiker missing at Gunung Batu Putih, Tapah, on safety grounds.

Malaysian Mountain Guides Association (PMGM) chairman, Muzafar Mohamad, said the decision was made because the Trans Beratih route, which is the focus of the search, is a relatively new trail unfamiliar to many, including some members of the MGP.

“Many are unaware that not all MGP members are familiar with the route, as the trail was only recently opened and is not a standard hiking path.

“If inexperienced members of the public enter the area in large groups, we are concerned it may result in more incidents or tragedies rather than uncovering new leads,” he told Bernama, referring to the announcement of the cancellation of public SAR operations for Jaslinda Saludin, 49, scheduled for tomorrow, posted on the Perak MGP Facebook page.

Muzafar said the police, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the General Operations Force (GOF) and the state Forestry Department all supported restricting participation in the operation to minimise the risk of accidents.

“The journey to the victim’s last location via the Perak route takes at least two and a half days on foot, making the search operation highly challenging.

“In previous operations, SAR teams also used helicopters to deploy personnel to the search area due to the long distance and difficult terrain,” he said.

Muzafar said the Perak MGP is coordinating with its counterparts in Pahang, who plan to access the search area via the Pos Titom route, believed to be closer to the summit of Gunung Batu Putih.

“However, the effort remains subject to approval from the relevant authorities, including the district officer and the state Forestry Department.

“In addition, Team Pelindung, a non-governmental organisation under the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), together with Orang Asli communities in Pos Lenjang and Pos Titom, has carried out several searches on the Pahang side, including setting up trail cameras and tracking routes that the victim may have taken,” he said.

Muzafar said the Perak MGP, the Fire and Rescue Department and the Forestry Department are continuing to work closely and stay in regular contact to coordinate the SAR operation and decide on the search areas to be covered.

“We suggest that members of the public who wish to help channel their contributions directly to the Orang Asli communities in Pos Titom and Pos Lenjang in Pahang, who are assisting in the search, as the operational funds currently managed in Perak are sufficient.

“The involvement of local communities, especially the Orang Asli, is crucial as they have deep knowledge of the forest and have been helping with the search efforts since the operation began,” he said.

The SAR operation for Jaslinda is now continuing on a targeted, small-scale basis led by the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), focusing on areas identified as having new clues to her disappearance.

Jaslinda was reported to have begun the Trans Spencer Chapman trek at 2 am on May 23 together with 13 others and two MGP members, taking the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

The private sector employee and another climber, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, were reported to have experienced health issues and stopped their ascent. However, Jaslinda is believed to have continued towards the summit and was last seen on May 24. — Bernama

IPOH, June 6 — The search and rescue (SAR) operation for Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who went missing in the Gunung Batu Putih area, has entered its 14th day without any new leads, although the search has continued on a smaller scale since Thursday.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said that throughout the operation, several items were found at various locations such as river areas, hill slopes and the paths taken, but after verification, it was confirmed that these items did not belong to the victim.

He said that as of Thursday, eight members of the Special, Tactical and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) and two Forest Mountain Guides (MGP) were still involved in the search sector location, and all of them safely exited at 11.30 am.

“Yesterday, there were five search teams consisting of members from the Forestry Department and MGP who entered the search sector location.

“The group of Orang Asli community members who have been involved in the search since June 3 are still in the search sector, but it is reported that there have been no findings so far,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Sabarodzi said that so far, the Perak JBPM had received many volunteer applications to participate in the joint search, but through screening and coordination with Forestry Department officers, some applications had to be rejected.

“Among them (the factors for application rejection) are compliance with SOP (standard operating procedures), unsuitable time periods, insufficient equipment and facilities, as well as several other criteria,” he said.

However, he said that at the same time, there were also groups that had been allowed to participate in the search after their applications met the specified criteria.

In the meantime, through Facebook, the Perak JBPM also showed several search methods that have been carried out, including searches or reviews at several identified potential locations based on the information and clues obtained, as well as reciting the call to prayer.

In addition, the Perak JBPM also had to present the actual scenario to the public, especially to those who have never climbed a mountain or traversed thick forest paths like those at Gunung Batu Putih.

“What looks easy on the map or in pictures actually demands physical strength, mental endurance and high levels of experience. Steep, slippery, rocky paths filled with tree roots, rivers, and ravines become the main challenges that the SAR teams have to face every day,” according to the post.

Previously, the female climber was reported to have started the Trans Spencer Chapman trek at 2 am on May 23, along with 13 other individuals and two MGPs, via the Pos Gedung–Gunung Bah Gading–Gunung Batu Putih–Kuala Woh route.

Jaslinda and another climber, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, experienced health issues and stopped climbing, however, the supply chain executive at a private company was reported to have continued the journey to the mountain peak and was last seen on May 24. — Bernama

TAPAH, June 3 — The search and rescue (SAR) operation for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, at Gunung Batu Putih here will continue on a smaller scale from tomorrow, led by the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).

Tapah district police chief Supt Abdul Malik Hasim said the decision was reached at a SAR coordination meeting chaired by Batang Padang district officer Ahmad Redhauddin this afternoon.

“However, police will continue to monitor the situation and carry out further investigations into the victim’s disappearance at Gunung Batu Putih.

“We will take statements from the 14 individuals who participated in the hiking trip with the victim and anyone with information is urged to come forward and assist police in the search efforts,” he said at a press conference at the Tapah district police headquarters here today.

Tapah district police chief Supt Abdul Malik Hasim said the decision to scale down the operation was made at a SAR coordination meeting this afternoon. — Bernama pic

He said the SAR operation had involved various agencies, including the police, JBPM, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the Forestry Department, personnel from the 3rd Battalion of the General Operations Force (GOF), Forestry Mountain Guides (MGP), as well as public volunteers.

Abdul Malik said the previous SAR operation, which lasted 11 days, involved a total of 116 personnel.

“So when we decided to scale down the operation, it will be led by the JBPM under its SAR SOP (standard operating procedure), with the assistance of local residents and NGOs (non-governmental organisations),” he said.

Abdul Malik added that the decision was made after 95 per cent of the Gunung Batu Putih hiking area had been searched during the SAR operation, using various methods deployed by the JBPM in efforts to locate the victim.

“(In addition), five personnel from JBPM and four from the 3rd Battalion of the GOF were injured, which is also one of the factors being taken into account,” he said.

Therefore, he said careful planning was required to avoid wastage of energy and to ensure the safety of rescuers involved in the SAR mission.

Abdul Malik said police probe so far had found no criminal elements in Jaslinda’s disappearance, however 13 individuals who joined the hiking trip were called to have their statements recorded to assist further investigations.

“I understand there has been a lot of talk on social media about Ah Long (loan sharks), but so far our investigation has found no criminal elements in Jaslinda’s disappearance. We are focusing on the search at Gunung Batu Putih,” he said.

He said, with that, the Forward Command Posts for the Gunung Batu Putih SAR operation at Surau At-Taqwa and the Sultan Idris II Power Station in Kuala Woh would be closed today.

Jaslinda was reported to have begun the Trans Spencer Chapman trek at 2am on May 23 with 13 other participants and two MGPs, via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

She and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, experienced health problems and stopped along the way. However, Jaslinda was reported to have continued towards the summit and was last seen by an MGP at 7.30am on May 24. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — Authorities will decide tomorrow whether to continue or call off the search and rescue (SAR) operation for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, who disappeared at Gunung Batu Putih on May 24.

According to Berita Harian, Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the decision would be made following a coordination meeting involving agencies involved in the operation.

He said the meeting, chaired by the Batang Padang district officer, would review the current status of the SAR mission, developments over the past 10 days and possible next steps.

“The meeting will discuss the current status and progress of the SAR operation, as well as follow-up actions after 10 days of search efforts,” he was quoted as saying.

The operation, now in its 10th day, has faced numerous challenges, including difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.

Earlier, Jaslinda was reportedly captured on one of the surveillance cameras along the Gunung Batu Putih hiking trail, believed to be heading towards Kem Sukaneka on the day she was reported missing.

Authorities have also enlisted the help of the local Orang Asli community, with more than 20 residents from Kampung Orang Asli Ampang Woh deployed in small teams to search areas outside the main trail between Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu.

Meanwhile, aerial search efforts have been hampered by clustered cloud cover, strong winds and limited space surrounded by dense forest.

Deputy Fire Superintendent II Mohd Hasrizal Kamaruzzaman previously said an MI-17 helicopter from the Fire and Rescue Department's Central Region Air Base had been deployed for winching operations.

The operation involved lowering and extracting 32 rescuers by cable in the Kem Sukaneka area as part of efforts to locate the missing hiker.

TAPAH, June 1 — General Operations Force (GOF) personnel were airlifted today to assist in the search and rescue (SAR) operation for a female hiker who has been missing on Gunung Batu Putih near here since May 23.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said eight personnel from the GOF’s 3rd Battalion in Bidor were deployed into the search sector, with their involvement also prompted by safety concerns following the discovery of wild animal droppings in the area.

“The presence of the GOF not only enhances safety but also complements the operation through the expertise they bring,” he told Bernama and RTM at the Gunung Batu Putih SAR operations forward command post at the GOF 3rd Battalion headquarters in Bidor today.

He said the GOF personnel, together with eight members of JBPM’s Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM), eight Forestry Department personnel and mountain guides, were flown into the search area aboard an MI-17 helicopter, significantly reducing travel time compared with previous overland routes through Gunung Batu Bujang and Pos Kuala Woh.

Sabarodzi said it was still too early to determine whether today’s operation would be the final search phase, or “last flushing”, as a coordination meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Perak JBPM director Datuk Sayani Saidon said SAR efforts remain focused on the area between Kem Kantoi and Gunung Rayu, involving personnel from JBPM, the Forestry Department, mountain guides and the GOF.

Sayani said communications with the team remained disrupted, believed to be due to their location in a valley with limited signal coverage.

He said SAR operations were continuing in the area between Kem Kantoi and Gunung Rayu involving personnel from JBPM, the Forestry Department, Forestry Mountain Guides and the GOF.

Any new developments would be assessed based on information retrieved from the trail camera brought down from the mountain, he added.

Meanwhile, Bernama was given the opportunity to board the MI-17 helicopter to observe the deployment of rescuers into the search area.

The flight from the forward command post to Kem Kantoi took about an hour and involved transporting two STORM members, three GOF personnel and a Forestry Department officer.

The rescuers, together with their equipment and backpacks, were lowered to the ground using a winching technique.

From an altitude of about 2,000 metres above sea level, the vast expanse of rugged terrain blanketed by dense forest highlighted the challenges facing search teams, with the thick green canopy making it difficult to spot anything from the air.

Jaslinda Saludin, 49, was among a group of 14 hikers and two Forestry Department mountain guides who began the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition at 2am on May 23 via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

She and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, reportedly experienced health issues and stopped during the climb. However, Jaslinda later continued towards the summit and was last seen by a mountain guide at about 7.30am on May 24. — Bernama