Police Take Statements From Jaslinda's Rescuers, Await Her Account

TAPAH, June 7 (Bernama) -- Police have recorded statements from several Orang Asli villagers who found and rescued hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, after she spent 14 days missing in the Gunung Batu Putih area.

Tapah district police chief Supt Abdul Malik Hasim said those whose statements had been recorded included Nazri a/l Bah Eng, 51, and two of his friends, who found the victim in a forested area near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh, near here yesterday.

"Police are also waiting for Jaslinda's condition to stabilise to enable us to record her statement and complete investigations into the case," he said when contacted.

He said the statements were important to assist investigations and provide a complete picture of the victim's condition and location when she was found.

According to Abdul Malik, Jaslinda is still receiving treatment at Tapah Hospital after being brought down from the forest by rescuers yesterday evening.

"We were told that the victim has been confirmed to have sustained an injury to her left ankle," he said.

Jaslinda was reported missing while hiking in the Gunung Batu Putih area on May 24, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation involving various security agencies and volunteers.

She was found safe by a group of Orang Asli villagers at about 5 pm yesterday before being brought out for medical treatment.

Jaslinda was reported to have joined a hike with 13 other hikers and two Forestry Mountain Guides via the Trans Spencer Chapman trail, which began at 2 am on May 23 through the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

-- BERNAMA