Missing hiker: Drone used to assist SAR team

IPOH - A drone was deployed today to assist in the search and rescue (SAR) operations for Jaslinda Saludin, who has been missing since May 23 while hiking at Gunung Batu Putih, near Tapah.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said a drone operator had been sent with the rescue team to the SAR operations area today.

"The drone operator has been sent to carry out surveillance and search operations in areas involving slopes, cliffs and other areas that are difficult for rescue teams to access," he said in a statement today.

He said a total of 16 rescue personnel have been deployed through an AgustaWestland AW139 aircraft to the SAR location today, while 19 rescue personnel from JBPM, Civil Defence Force (PGA) and Forestry Mountain Guides (MGP) who had entered the area on May 27 were brought out.

In addition, he said the SAR today involved PGA and MGP teams entering by land through Pos Musoh towards Sungai Air Busok, involving 18 personnel.

Sabarodzi said the SAR team had to navigate narrow and winding routes throughout the search operation.

Yesterday, Perak JBPM director Sayani Saidon said the SAR operation would focus on the Sungai Ayer Busok trail area, which is believed to have been the route taken by the victim to obtain a water source.

Earlier, the 49-year-old Jaslinda was reported to have started the Trans Spencer Chapman climb at 2am on May 23 with 13 other hikers and two mountain guides via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

She and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, faced health issues and stopped but Jaslinda was reported to have continued alone to the mountain summit and was last seen by a mountain guide at 7.30 am on May 24. - BERNAMA