Police Record Statements From Seven In Search Of Missing Hiker

TAPAH, May 28 (Bernama) -- Police have recorded statements from seven individuals, including the husband of a woman who went missing while hiking at Gunung Batu Putih since May 23, to assist ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operations.

Tapah deputy police chief DSP Mohd Fadzil Ismail said the other six individuals were mountain guides involved in the search for Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who has been missing for more than 72 hours and is believed to be without food and water.

“We are also sharing information with the Fire and Rescue Department and, so far, developments have been positive,” he told reporters after visiting the Fire and Rescue Control Post at Pos Kuala Poh here today.

Also present was Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon.

Mohd Fadzil said the integrated and coordinated operation involving various agencies was expected to lead to Jaslinda’s discovery.

He also urged the public not to speculate on the ongoing operation and appealed for space and privacy to be given to the victim’s family.

Earlier reports stated that Jaslinda was among 14 hikers and two forestry mountain guides who began the Trans Spencer Chapman trail 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 experienced health problems and stopped during the hike. However, Jaslinda was later said to have continued the journey towards the mountain peak and was last seen by a forestry mountain guide at around 7.30 am on May 24.

-- BERNAMA