Tapah: The search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who was reported missing while climbing Gunung Batu Putih here will continue with a more focused approach based on new information or leads received.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations Sabarozi Nor Ahmad stated that although the operation is currently being carried out on a smaller scale, his party is still monitoring current developments and is prepared to move teams to certain locations. He emphasized that this move would be implemented if there were new discoveries or information that could assist the search effort.
Sabarozi noted, "The operation will continue involving the fire brigade who are re-checking areas that have been inspected previously to confirm important locations, including the route to the summit of Gunung Batu Putih." He highlighted that new information or clues are obtained not only from the JBPM search team but also from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local communities, and individuals involved in the search effort. These comments were made during a press conference at the Tapah district police headquarters.
Furthermore, Sabarodzi mentioned that any party, including mountain guides who wish to assist in the search operation, must report first at the Tapah Fire and Rescue Station, now the JBPM Control Centre, to enable coordination with the Forestry Department. He explained that with the Incident Control Centre (PKTK) closed and several other agencies' involvement halted, only JBPM is coordinating search activities. Sabarozi stressed the importance of this coordination due to Gunung Batu Putih being a permanent forest reserve that cannot be entered without authority control.
He also reported that, as of this morning, a total of 23 members, comprising the JBPM team, the Forestry Department, and the 3rd Battalion of the General Operations Force (GOF), were evacuated using an Agusta AW139 helicopter. Additionally, a small team of 10 members, including eight from the JBPM Storm Team and two forestry mountain guides (MGP), returned to the search location to conduct a comprehensive inspection in an identified sector near the peak of Gunung Batu Putih.
Previously, Jaslinda was reported to have started the Trans Spencer Chapman climb with 13 others and two MGPs at 2 am on May 23 via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route. She and another climber, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, suffered health issues and stopped climbing. However, the clerk at a private company reportedly continued to the mountain peak and was last seen on May 24.