Missing Hiker Jaslinda Found Safe After Nearly Two Weeks

IPOH, June 6 (Bernama) -- 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.

Meanwhile, Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin, in a separate statement, said that Jaslinda, who was found safe this afternoon, was taken to an Orang Asli village to receive initial assistance and food.

"The victim was found conscious in the village of Lubuk Geharu, Pos Musoh, near Tapah, before being taken to the home of Nazri for initial assistance and food.

"The police have confirmed the discovery and are managing further actions, including a health check for the victim," he said.

He said that in this regard, the search and rescue (SAR) operation that began on May 24 was officially terminated after the victim was successfully found safe.

"The Perak contingent of the Royal Malaysia Police extends its highest appreciation and thanks to all agencies, NGOs (non-governmental organisations), volunteers, the Orang Asli community, and the public who rovided cooperation throughout this operation," he also said.

-- BERNAMA