TAPAH: The authorities have been urged to issue mountain guide licences to Orang Asli volunteers who helped in the search and rescue (SAR) operation for a missing female hiker at Gunung Batu Putih here.
They should be considered for licences given their extensive knowledge of the forest terrain in the area, added their coordinator Chew Ho Beng, who is also the special officer to the Perak Mentri Besar for Orang Asli affairs.
He said the proposal could help reduce the risk of hikers getting lost or going missing, while also facilitating search efforts in the event of emergencies in the area.
"The Orang Asli community’s greatest advantage lies in their deep understanding of the forest environment, including trails and natural signs that are often difficult for outsiders to identify.
"It is not our intention to belittle anyone, but with the unique advantages they possess, they can help hikers and reduce the risk of people getting lost or going missing during hiking activities,” he said when met here on Wednesday (June 3).
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Earlier that day, 22 Orang Asli volunteers from the Semai tribe began their journey to Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu to search for Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who has been missing since May 24 while hiking the 2,132m mountain.
Chew said that if the proposal is implemented, the licences could be restricted for use only at Gunung Batu Putih, as the volunteers involved possess specialised expertise in that particular area.
"That is why I see no issue if the licences issued are valid only for this area. Their intention is simply to earn a living and share their knowledge and experience,” he said.
Chew noted that most of the volunteers do not have permanent employment and as such, the opportunity would not only provide them with a more stable source of income but also serve as recognition of their expertise.
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"Such recognition given to the Senoi Praaq previously proves that the Orang Asli community have acknowledged skills in navigating forest terrain.
"These volunteers possess similar skills. They should be given the same opportunity (to have guide licences) to show their capabilities,” he added.
Jaslinda was reported to have begun the Trans Spencer Chapman hike at 2am on May 23 with 13 other individuals and two forestry mountain guides 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, the clerk with a private company was reported to have continued her journey to the mountain summit and was last seen on May 24. – Bernama
