The search and rescue (SAR) operation for 49-year-old hiker Jaslinda Saludin, who went missing during a climb at Gunung Batu Putih on May 23, has entered a critical stage after she was unaccounted for for more than 72 hours.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon said search efforts have been stepped up, with additional personnel deployed and wider areas being covered in the ongoing operation.
She said teams are now focusing their search along Sungai Ayer Busok, based on the assessment that the missing hiker may have moved towards water sources to survive.
General rescue assessments indicate that missing persons in mountainous terrain often gravitate towards rivers or streams in an attempt to find drinking water, particularly during extended search periods.
Sayani described the current stage as critical but said there is still hope, noting the victim’s hiking experience may have helped her cope with the challenging conditions.
She added that 36 personnel, including firefighters and police, were deployed today to cover areas including Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu, with support from the General Operations Force, Forestry Department and mountain guides.
Search teams have also cleared a winching zone measuring about 9.3 square metres at Kem Salai Matahari to allow quicker evacuation or helicopter support if required.
According to her, the terrain remains highly challenging, with some search routes requiring between seven and eight hours of travel time on foot.
Jaslinda had joined the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition at 2am on May 23 with 13 other hikers and two guides via the Pos Gedung–Gunung Bah Gading–Gunung Batu Putih–Kuala Woh route.
She and another hiker reportedly experienced health issues during the climb, but Jaslinda later continued alone towards the summit and was last seen by a guide at 7.30am on May 24.
