Hiker Jaslinda found safe after 2 weeks

 Jaslinda Saludin, 49, last seen on Gunung Batu Hitam on May 24, was found by an Orang Asli villager near Pos Musoh on Saturday afternoon.

A video clip believed to show Jaslinda Saludin eating instant noodles in an Orang Asli community home had earlier gone viral on Facebook. (Tapah Media Official Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Hiker Jaslinda Saludin, who had gone missing on Gunung Batu Putih since May 24, has been found safe by an Orang Asli villager near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu at Pos Musoh, deep in the mountainous region of Tapah, on Saturday afternoon.

Perak fire and rescue department director Sayani Saidon said Jaslinda was found by a villager at about 3pm, who then informed his nephew in Johor to lodge a report with the authorities, Bernama reported.

“As of now, the missing person is staying at the Tok Batin’s house at Kampung Lubuk Gaharu while further action is being coordinated by the relevant authorities,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.

A video clip believed to show Jaslinda eating instant noodles in an Orang Asli community home had earlier gone viral on Facebook.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has thanked rescue teams, volunteers and Orang Asli villagers from Lubuk Gaharu for their efforts in the search for Jaslinda. In a Facebook post, Anwar said he was grateful for the swift and coordinated response by all involved.

Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad also expressed appreciation to the Orang Asli villagers and rescuers involved in the search, and thanked Malaysians for their prayers throughout the search operation.

Jaslinda was reported to have begun the Trans Spencer Chapman trek at 2am on May 23, together with 13 other hikers and two MGP (forestry mountain guide) members.

She and another climber, Hanafi Neikmad, 41, were reported to have experienced health issues and stopped their ascent. However, Jaslinda is believed to have continued towards the summit and was last seen on May 24. - FMT