Airlifted GOF team expedites search for missing hiker Jaslinda

 The deployment significantly cuts travel time compared with previous overland routes.

Eight GOF personnel were among those flown into the search area to look for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin on Gunung Batu Putih, near Tapah, today. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Eight General Operations Force (GOF) personnel were airlifted today to assist in the search-and-rescue operation for hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who has been missing on Gunung Batu Putih, near Tapah, since May 23.

Perak fire and rescue department operations division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the GOF personnel, together with eight members of the department’s special tactical operation and rescue team, and eight forestry department personnel and mountain guides, were flown into the search area in an MI-17 helicopter.

The rescuers, along with their equipment and supplies, were lowered to the ground using a winch, reported Bernama.

The deployment significantly reduced travel time compared with previous overland routes via Gunung Batu Bujang and Pos Kuala Woh.

The search for Jaslinda ran into additional challenges yesterday after rescuers discovered animal droppings believed to be that of dangerous wildlife, including panthers, in several parts of the search area.

Perak fire and rescue department director Sayani Saidon said limited signal coverage has disrupted communication with the search team.

He said any new developments would be based on information obtained from a trail camera brought down from the mountain.

The vast expanse of rugged, forest-covered terrain at the search area – which is about 2,000m above sea level – underscored the challenges facing search teams, with the dense canopy making it difficult to spot anything from the air.

Jaslinda was part of a group of 14 hikers and two mountain guides who began the Trans Spencer Chapman trek at 2am on May 23.

Jaslinda and another hiker, Hanafi Neikmad, 41, reportedly experienced health issues and stopped along the route.

However, Jaslinda later continued towards the summit and was last seen by a mountain guide at about 7.30am on May 24. - FMT