IPOH: Those who wish to join the search and rescue (SAR) operation for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin must first submit an application and undergo screening by the Fire and Rescue Department.
Its Perak operations division assistant director Sabarozi Nor Ahmad said screening is necessary for safety and coordination purposes.
He said the Tapah Fire and Rescue Station would compile the movement of individuals or groups in the small-scale search mission after they report to the station to obtain approval from the Forestry Department to enter the Permanent Forest Reserve area.
"Eligibility (to join the search) will be determined based on fitness level, experience, competency and expertise.
"The department will assist by providing briefings on the search area and ensuring that the equipment and supplies brought into the forest are suitable for the search objectives," he said in a statement on Thursday (June 4).
Sabarozi said the Perak Forestry Department had temporarily closed the hiking area to the public.
Meanwhile, he said that after the incident control post was closed and operations scaled down on Wednesday, the department would provide further assistance based on any new findings, information and the prevailing situation.
"As of today, eight STORM personnel from Perak Bomba together with two Forestry Mountain Guides remain in the search sectors and are expected to exit the area this afternoon," he said.
On Wednesday, Sabarozi said the search for Jaslinda, 49, who was reported missing while hiking Gunung Batu Putih, would continue using a more focused approach based on new information or leads received.
Earlier reports stated that Jaslinda, together with 13 other individuals and two guides, began the Trans Spencer Chapman hike 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 issues and stopped the climb. However, Jaslinda was reported to have continued towards the summit and was last seen on May 24. – Bernama
