IPOH: If you find yourself lost in the jungle, the first thing to do is STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan).
Survival instructor Mohd Azlan Mohd Nor, 48, said the widely used STOP method helps prevent panic and reduces the risk of making decisions that could worsen the situation.
“Stop means pausing and calming yourself down. Think is about recalling the route you took before getting lost, identifying possible ways to backtrack and assessing the resources you have to survive,” he said when contacted.
“Observe means checking your surroundings and the weather, ensuring the area is safe, looking for signs left by other people and paying attention to voices or the sound of vehicles.
“Plan involves making decisions based on the information gathered. If you are unsure of your location, find a safe spot and stay there.”
Mohd Azlan, who is the head trainer of Pendekar Rimba, a survival, navigation and tracking training programme, said there are many reasons why people become lost in the jungle.
“Some enter the forest without doing sufficient research. Others become separated from their group, wander off the trail after being distracted, experience equipment failure such as a faulty compass or global positioning system device, or encounter wild animals,” he said.
He stressed that anyone planning a trekking or hiking expedition should be properly prepared by learning the basic skills and knowledge of survival, tracking and navigation.
“People should not take these skills lightly, as they can be crucial in a survival situation,” he said.
He also advised outdoor enthusiasts to ensure they are physically fit before taking part in any strenuous activities.
Mohd Azlan said hikers should also carry essential equipment, including a “bug out bag” (BOB) – a pre-packed survival kit designed to sustain a person for at least 72 hours.
“The contents of a BOB may vary according to individual needs. However, it should include essentials such as spare clothing, a poncho or raincoat, an emergency blanket to prevent hypothermia, a lighter or matches, a torchlight and spare batteries,” he said.
Other useful items include a first aid kit, ferro rod, compass, map, whistle, gloves, Swiss Army knife, stainless steel water bottle and sufficient food rations.
“Some people even carry firecrackers as a precaution to scare away wildlife,” he added.
Mohd Azlan, who served with the Army’s 21st Commando Regiment in Melaka for 20 years, also urged hikers to thoroughly research their destination before setting out.
“Seek advice from organisers or people who have visited the area before. Learn about the surrounding area and find out whether there are nearby villages or Orang Asli settlements,” he said.
He added that hikers should inform the relevant authorities, obtain any required permits and, most importantly, ensure their next of kin are aware of the expected duration of the expedition.
His advice comes as the search for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin entered its 12th day yesterday.
The 49-year-old disappeared while trekking along the Trans Spencer Chapman Trail, prompting an extensive search-and-rescue operation involving multiple agencies.
