After 10 days, decision on continuing search for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin due tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — Authorities will decide tomorrow whether to continue or call off the search and rescue (SAR) operation for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, who disappeared at Gunung Batu Putih on May 24.

According to Berita Harian, Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the decision would be made following a coordination meeting involving agencies involved in the operation.

He said the meeting, chaired by the Batang Padang district officer, would review the current status of the SAR mission, developments over the past 10 days and possible next steps.

“The meeting will discuss the current status and progress of the SAR operation, as well as follow-up actions after 10 days of search efforts,” he was quoted as saying.

The operation, now in its 10th day, has faced numerous challenges, including difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.

Earlier, Jaslinda was reportedly captured on one of the surveillance cameras along the Gunung Batu Putih hiking trail, believed to be heading towards Kem Sukaneka on the day she was reported missing.

Authorities have also enlisted the help of the local Orang Asli community, with more than 20 residents from Kampung Orang Asli Ampang Woh deployed in small teams to search areas outside the main trail between Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu.

Meanwhile, aerial search efforts have been hampered by clustered cloud cover, strong winds and limited space surrounded by dense forest.

Deputy Fire Superintendent II Mohd Hasrizal Kamaruzzaman previously said an MI-17 helicopter from the Fire and Rescue Department's Central Region Air Base had been deployed for winching operations.

The operation involved lowering and extracting 32 rescuers by cable in the Kem Sukaneka area as part of efforts to locate the missing hiker.

المصدر: Malay Mail