Anwar Thanks Rescue Teams, Volunteers And Orang Asli Involved In Jaslinda SAR Op

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his appreciation to volunteers, rescue teams and the Orang Asli community of Kampung Lubuk Gaharu Orang Asli, Pos Musoh, after female hiker Jaslinda Saludin, who was reported missing on May 24, was found safe this afternoon.

In a Facebook post, he said he was thankful that the 49-year-old woman had been found safe.

“Alhamdulillah, praise be to God. Thank you to the volunteers, rescue teams and the Orang Asli community of Lubuk Gaharu for looking after Jaslinda,” he said.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon said Jaslinda was found near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh, around 3 pm by a local, Nazri a/l Bah Eng, who relayed the information to the authorities through his relative in Johor.

Sayani said Jaslinda is staying at the Kampung Lubuk Gaharu village chief’s house pending further action by the relevant authorities.

The hiker was previously reported to have set off with 13 others and two mountain guides on the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition at 2 am on May 23, via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

Jaslinda and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, reportedly stopped their climb after experiencing health problems, but Jaslinda, a private sector employee, is said to have continued towards the peak.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) extended assistance to the families of Orang Asli volunteers involved in the search and rescue (SAR) operation in recognition of their sacrifice.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, expressed special appreciation to the Orang Asli of Kampung Lubuk Gaharu and Kampung Ampang Woh for their role in finding Jaslinda.

“Alhamdulillah, I am thankful to receive news that Jaslinda Saludin, who was reported missing while hiking in the Gunung Batu Putih area in Perak, has been found safe this afternoon,” he said in a Facebook post.

He also thanked all parties involved in the SAR effort, including security forces, rescue agencies, volunteers and the Orang Asli community.

“Let us all pray that Jaslinda continues to be blessed with good health, that all her affairs are eased, and that she is soon reunited with her loved ones,” he said.

-- BERNAMA