TAPAH: The cold temperatures — which can drop to around 6°C at an altitude of 2,130m on Gunung Batu Putih — are among the main challenges faced by teams in the search and rescue (SAR) mission for hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who was reported missing since May 23.
Perak Forestry Mountain Guide (MGP) Muzafar Mohamad said the SAR operation, which entered its sixth day Friday (May 29), is also facing other challenges including the terrain and limited communications access in the area, complicating search efforts.
“Besides the cold and windy conditions in the highland range, communication difficulties between teams on the ground and the operations control centre are also a major challenge, as it affects tactical co-ordination for searches in the mountainous area.
“The location here is also categorised as a difficult route, requiring hikers to exert themselves, including climbing to get past certain obstacles. In short, it requires high physical endurance to complete the entire climb,” he said when met at the Fire Control Centre (PKB) at Pos Kuala Poh here Thursday (May 28).
Muzafar, 50, who has more than 20 years’ experience in hiking, believes Jaslinda’s disappearance may have been caused by taking the wrong route while descending the mountain, based on preliminary assessments by rescue teams on the ground.
He said as physical condition weakens, a victim may not be able to think as clearly, and may end up choosing an incorrect route that appears similar to the original trail leading back to the foothills.
According to Muzafar, the SAR operation on Malaysia’s eighth-highest mountain is also among the longest he has ever taken part in during his time as a mountain guide.
“Search operations can usually be concluded within two to three days, depending on the location and the initial information obtained on the ground,” he said.
When asked about the possibility of Jaslinda being able to survive, he said it cannot be ruled out, as a hiker’s ability to stay alive depends on their mental and physical strength.
“Past operations have shown that some victims are able to survive for a certain period even in challenging conditions, but it very much depends on factors at the location at the time,” he said.
Muzafar also advised members of the public who intend to go hiking not to go alone, and to ensure they hike in groups to reduce the risk of unwanted incidents.
Previously, Jaslinda was reported to have begun the Trans Spencer Chapman hike with 13 other individuals and two MGPs at 2am on May 23 via the Pos Gedung–Gunung Bah Gading–Gunung Batu Putih–Kuala Woh route.
Jaslinda and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, experienced health problems and stopped. However, Jaslinda was reported to have continued to the summit and was last seen by an MGP on May 24 at 7.30am. — Bernama
