The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a 49-year-old woman who went missing while climbing Gunung Batu Putih on May 23 has resumed, with a fresh team deployed to continue efforts to locate her.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the new team was deployed to Bukit Berapit 2 at 9.15am via an AW139 helicopter.
He said the team consisted of eight Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) personnel and one Forestry Mountain Guide (MGP) who had previously been part of the initial rescue team that entered the mountain on May 25.
The earlier team had safely exited the area this morning after facing heavy rain and strong winds at Berapit 2 overnight.
Authorities said the operation is still focusing on the Gunung Raya area based on earlier clues gathered during the search.
Previously, rescuers discovered a water bottle and supplement packets believed to belong to the missing hiker, identified as Jaslinda Saludin, providing a new lead for the SAR team.
The items were found along a route leading towards Gunung Raya, where she is believed to have deviated from the original hiking path.
Jaslinda had started the Trans Spencer Chapman hike at 2am on May 23 together with 13 other hikers and two MGP guides via the Pos Gedung–Gunung Bah Gading–Gunung Batu Putih–Kuala Woh route.
She and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, reportedly experienced health issues and stopped during the climb.
However, Jaslinda is believed to have continued her ascent alone and was last seen by an MGP guide at 7.30am on Sunday.
