Jaslinda Saludin, a 49-year-old experienced Malaysian hiker, was found alive on June 6 near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh, Tapah in Perak state after being missing for 14 days [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. She had been reported missing since May 24 while hiking alone on the Trans Spencer Chapman trail, which includes Gunung Batu Putih [1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10].
Jaslinda began the 34-kilometer trek on May 23 with 13 other hikers and two forestry mountain guides but was last seen continuing alone to the Gunung Batu Putih summit on May 24 around 7:30 a.m. by a mountain guide [6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. An inscription by her on the summit confirmed she reached the peak before disappearing [10].
The search operation intensified from May 29 after she had been missing over 72 hours. About 50 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, police, General Operations Force, Forestry Department, indigenous communities, and mountain guides joined efforts alongside helicopters [1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11]. The terrain posed difficulties with cold temperatures around 6°C, steep valleys, waterfalls, and poor communication signals complicating the search [12].
Jaslinda was found by local indigenous villagers and fishermen in a forested area on June 6 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. She survived by drinking river water and eating berries and forest plants but suffered minor injuries such as insect bites and head wounds. A hospital assessment on June 7 found no serious injuries, though she remains under close medical monitoring at Tapah Hospital [4, 5]. Perak Health Director Datuk Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said, "Initial examinations found that the victim did not suffer any serious injuries. However, she still requires close monitoring and several additional examinations to ensure her recovery progresses well" [4].
Officials said Jaslinda likely deviated from the intended trekking route toward Gunung Rayu based on belongings found along that path [6, 7]. The Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad emphasized the search would not have been called off, explaining, "Based on our experience and the surrounding conditions, mountain search operations differ significantly from maritime searches. Therefore, we will not decide to stop the operation. The search is ongoing and will continue" [11].
Officials praised Jaslinda's survival skills and determination. Perak Forestry Mountain Guide Muzafar Mohamad said, "Credit to Jaslinda’s survival to her determination and mental strength" [5]. Stepdaughter Nurr Asyikin Haszman expressed confidence but concerns, saying, "I believe she is a strong woman and is still alive. I believe she is capable of surviving in the jungle. However, we are also worried about other risks, such as the threat of wild animals" [9].
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim thanked those involved in the search, stating, "Thanks to those involved for protecting sister Jaslinda" [2]. Her husband Haszman Othman expressed gratitude to all who helped in the rescue [5].
Jaslinda will continue to receive medical scans and monitoring at Tapah Hospital as officials evaluate her recovery [4, 5].
