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 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