TAPAH: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for female hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who has been missing at Gunung Batu Putih here since May 24, is expected to utilise the services of Orang Asli from the local community starting Tuesday (June 2).
Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Datuk Sayani Saidon said more than 22 residents from Kampung Orang Asli (KOA) Ampang Woh would be divided into small groups, focusing on off-road areas between Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu.
"Insya-Allah, tomorrow we will be assisted by a team from the Orang Asli community, namely residents of KOA Ampang Woh. Earlier today, the Tok Batin also came to discuss the matter with us.
"However, he requested some time to gather more of his people to participate in the search effort," he told a press conference at the Forward Command Post (PKH) for the Gunung Batu Putih SAR operation at the 3rd Battalion of the General Operations Force (GOF) in Bidor, near here, Monday (June 1).
Sayani explained that Orang Asli personnel had already been involved in the SAR operation from the outset through members of the PGA Bidor's Senoi Praaq special unit, as well as field teams from the Wildlife and National Parks Deparment (Perhilitan), which had installed surveillance cameras.
Sayani said the search radius has now been refined and narrowed to the specific focus area as the operation has entered its eighth day, while the victim has been missing for nine days, indicating that her physical condition may be weakening.
He said security personnel had previously completed a full search of the 35km main trekking route, but are now facing new risks following the discovery of animal droppings and signs of black panther crossings detected through Perhilitan surveillance cameras.
"Therefore, today we involved the GOF directly, deploying together via aerial routes in the hope that we can assist one another should there be any threat from the wild animals," he said.
Sayani also commended the perseverance shown by rescue personnel from various agencies, including the Forestry Department and mountain guides, who have remained determined to continue the search mission despite some sustaining minor injuries.
Earlier, Jaslinda was reported to have begun the Trans Spencer Chapman hike at 2 am on May 23 together with 13 other individuals and two Forestry Mountain Guides (MGP) 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 towards the mountain summit and was last seen by an MGP on May 24 at 7.30am. - Bernama
