TAPAH: The search and rescue operation for missing female hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, at Gunung Batu Putih near Tapah faces the risk of wildlife threats, Sinar Harian reports.
Rescue teams have detected faeces believed to belong to dangerous animals, including a black panther, says Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad.
The Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director told the Malay language daily that the discovery was made by teams on the ground.
He said that despite the risk, the SAR team would continue the operation while prioritising safety and will avoid areas identified as dangerous.
"We prioritise safety measures and avoid the area, but we understand that we are entering their habitat," Sabarodzi said.
He also noted that it was a risk the team must face.
He was speaking at the Incident Control Post at Sultan Idris II Woh Power Station on Sunday (May 31).
Also present was Selangor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) assistant wildlife officer Mohamad Ainul Azlif Azman.
Sabarodzi said that so far, three Perhilitan surveillance cameras have been inspected to assist in the search.
Two cameras checked at Bukit Batu Putih on Saturday (May 30) successfully recorded images of the victim while another, at Bukit Berapit on Sunday (May 31), did not show any images of her.
"The team will move to another camera location at Gunung Rayu, about 1km outside the main trail," he said.
The results of the recording will be obtained on Monday (June 1).
The camera location is within the Ulu Jelai area in Lipis, Pahang and inspections are being carried out to determine whether the victim strayed from the original route.
"We are doubling our efforts to obtain any clues," Sabarodzi said, adding that if there are signs the victim passed through an area, operations will move in that direction.
If there are no signs, the search will continue in surrounding areas. This includes locations that have not yet been explored.
Commenting on operations along the Sungai Ayer Busok route, he said inspections found the area had not been traversed by the victim or rescue teams.
An area exceeding two map squares near Kem Sukaneka has been fully searched. However, no findings have been made so far.
"So far, the areas that have been marked have yielded negative results," he said.
The team will continue to examine other potential areas.
Jaslinda took part in the Trans Spencer Chapman hike with 13 other individuals and two mountain guides.
The hike started at 2am on May 23 via the Pos Gedung–Gunung Bah Gading–Gunung Batu Putih–Kuala Woh route.
The victim and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, experienced health problems and separated from the group.
Jaslinda reportedly continued her journey alone to the summit. She was last seen by a mountain guide at 7.30am on May 24.
