Orang Asli SAR Volunteers Describe Finding Jaslinda, A Meaningful Ending
TAPAH, June 7 (Bernama) -- The news of finding missing trekker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, yesterday was greeted with relief by 15 Orang Asli volunteers from Kampung Ampang Woh, here, who had previously assisted in search and rescue (SAR) operations around Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu.
Some of those who had returned to their villages after leaving the forest area today said Jaslinda's discovery as the most meaningful gift for all parties.
A volunteer, Mohd Hail Nizam Idris, 44, said the news eased the 'disappointment' of those who had left the search area after several days of traversing the dense forest and hilly areas to assist the SAR team.
"When we found out she was still alive and had been found, we felt very relieved, our initial intention was to help ensure she could return safely," he said when met by Bernama at Kampung Ampang Woh, here, today.
He said that throughout the operation, the volunteer group used their experience and knowledge of the forest area to help expand the search and that he also suffered an injury to his leg while crossing Balak Camp II, which was also one of the search areas.
Meanwhile, Tok Batin Kampung Ampang Woh Bah Lilit, 52, said that the news of Jaslinda's disappearance should be a lesson to all parties to emphasise safety aspects when entering the forest.
"In addition, this climb cannot be done at will and at least inform the local residents. This is not only to ensure the safety of the climbers but also to respect each other," he said, who also expressed his appreciation to all the volunteers who were willing to strive hard and leave their families to ensure that the mission that was launched ended happily.
Meanwhile, special officer to the Perak Menteri Besar for Orang Asli Community Affairs, Chew Ho Beng said five of the 15 volunteers involved in the SAR returned to their respective homes in Kampung Woh at around 9 pm yesterday, after receiving news of Jaslinda's discovery.
He said the remaining volunteers who participated in the mission were expected to return to Kampung Ampang Woh at around 5pm today.
"They received the news via a 'walkie talkie' call from the villagers. For your information, this method also served as an intermediary throughout the volunteer's entry into the forest," he said.
In a similar development, Ho Beng described Jaslinda as someone with high mental resilience because she managed to continue her journey in challenging conditions until she was found after 14 days of SAR operations.
Yesterday, Jaslinda was found in a weak condition near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh, at around 5 pm by one of the villagers.
Previously, the female climber was reported to have embarked on the Trans Spencer Chapman climb together with 13 other individuals and two forestry mountain guides (MGP) at 2 am, May 23 via Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.
-- BERNAMA
