TAPAH, June 2 (Bernama) — A strong sense of duty towards safeguarding human lives has motivated Semai Orang Asli volunteers to assist in the search for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who disappeared while trekking at Gunung Batu Putih on May 24.
Tok Batin of Kampung Ampang Woh, Bah Lilit, 52, said the effort was not merely a task but a responsibility to help rescuers locate the victim after the search and rescue (SAR) operation had yet to yield results.
“Initially, we only followed developments in the search because we did not want to interfere with the work of the rescue teams. We believe every agency involved has its own expertise and plans to locate the victim.
“When the victim was still not found, we felt compelled to help. Perhaps our experience and familiarity with the area can assist the search effort. Our only intention is to help the rescue teams find the victim as quickly as possible,” he said when met at Kampung Ampang Woh here today.
He said the group’s search operation would begin tomorrow at 7 am and continue for six days, following a route from Kampung Ampang Woh to the areas around Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu, which are believed to be among the routes taken by the victim.
However, he said the route to both locations differs from the main trails commonly used by rescuers and mountain guides involved in the operation.
“We will begin from Kampung Woh and head to the Sukaneka Camp, a journey that will take more than a day. Once we arrive at the camp, we will rest briefly before continuing the search in the surrounding area.
“If there are no traces or signs, the search will continue to Gunung Rayu, which takes about six hours to reach,” said the father of four.
On the search method, he said all volunteers would move simultaneously in a large group, each clearing their own path to widen the search coverage.
“Each person will open their own route while remaining within sight of one another. This method allows us to cover a larger area without compromising safety. If any trace is found, the information can be relayed immediately to the others,” he said.
Bah Lilit said among the main challenges expected during the operation were the hilly terrain and dense forest, which would make movement and search efforts more difficult.
He said unpredictable weather and the long journey to the search area would add to the challenges, especially as the group would need to carry sufficient food supplies and equipment throughout the operation.
Meanwhile, volunteer Bah Fazil, 56, said he would serve as a guide and route monitor throughout the search operation to ensure the team’s movements remained smooth and within the designated search areas.
“I will help identify suitable routes and areas that should be inspected based on my experience travelling through these forests for many years.
“The most important thing is ensuring everyone moves safely and that all suspected areas are thoroughly searched,” he said.
At the same time, Bah Fazil advised hikers and nature enthusiasts to inform the Orang Asli community in the surrounding area before beginning any trekking activities to facilitate monitoring and enhance safety.
He said there had been instances where hikers failed to inform local residents of their presence and only sought assistance after an untoward incident had occurred.
“If they inform us earlier, we can help from the outset. This would make search operations easier should anything happen, as we are more familiar with the trails and forest conditions here,” he said.
Earlier, Jaslinda was reported to have begun the Trans Spencer Chapman trek at 2 am on May 23 with 13 other participants and two forest mountain guides (MGP), via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.
Jaslinda and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, experienced health problems and stopped along the way. However, Jaslinda was reported to have continued towards the summit and was last seen by an MGP at 7.30 am on May 24.
— BERNAMA