Rescuers find panther droppings while searching for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin at Gunung Batu Putih, with operations focused on safety.
IPOH: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, at Gunung Batu Putih near Tapah is facing additional challenges after rescuers discovered animal droppings believed to be from dangerous wildlife, including panthers, in several parts of the search area.
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Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) operations division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the discovery indicated that parts of the search area were within a wildlife habitat, but operations would continue with strict safety measures in place.
“The SAR team is avoiding areas identified as high-risk while prioritising the safety of personnel throughout the operation. We understand that we are entering their habitat, so we must remain cautious,” he said when contacted today.
Sabarodzi said the SAR team had also expanded search efforts using three wildlife surveillance cameras belonging to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) to obtain new clues on the victim’s whereabouts.
“Two cameras at Bukit Batu Putih captured images of Jaslinda, while another camera at Bukit Berapit checked today yielded no relevant footage.
“The team is also scheduled to inspect another camera at Gunung Rayu, located about one kilometre off the main hiking trail in the Ulu Jelai area near Lipis, Pahang,” he said.
He said the move was aimed at determining whether the victim had strayed from the original route and helping the team focus its search efforts.
Searches along the Sungai Ayer Busok trail and areas around Kem Sukaneka, which had not previously been explored, have been completed but yielded no new leads.
“Areas that have been searched and marked so far have produced negative results, but operations will continue in other locations identified as having potential,” he said.
Jaslinda was part of a group of 14 hikers and two forestry mountain guides who began the Trans Spencer Chapman trek 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 issues and stopped along the route. However, Jaslinda later continued towards the summit and was last seen by a forestry mountain guide at about 7.30 am on May 24.