TAPAH, June 2 — Clustered clouds, strong winds and the confined terrain surrounded by dense trees are among the main challenges faced by rescuers in the search and rescue (SAR) operation for a missing female hiker at Gunung Batu Putih here.

Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant superintendent II Mohd Hasrizal Kamaruzzaman said the aerial operation, carried out using a Russian-made MI-17 helicopter from the JBPM Central Region Air Base yesterday, involved complex winching procedures to deploy and extract rescue personnel.

He said the operation at the Sukaneka Camp area involved 32 rescuers.

“The weather was favourable this morning, but clustered clouds and strong winds at higher altitudes posed challenges.

“The main difficulty is carrying out winching in a confined area surrounded by trees. The strong winds can cause the cable to swing, making it harder to control the aircraft,” he told reporters at the Forward Command Post (PKH) for the Gunung Batu Putih SAR operation at the General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion 3 in Bidor near here yesterday.

Mohd Hasrizal stressed the importance of carrying out insertion and extraction operations swiftly using skilled personnel to minimise risks during the mission.

He said prolonged use of the hoist system could cause extreme heat build-up, increasing the risk of mechanical failure or the system becoming jammed.

“Extended operation of the hoist system can generate excessive heat, which may affect its performance.

“To prevent mechanical issues or the equipment from becoming stuck, regular inspections and close monitoring are essential,” he said.

Mohd Hasrizal, who has 20 years of experience as a JBPM pilot and co-pilot, previously participated in SAR missions at Gunung Yong Yap in 2023 and three rescue operations at Gunung Tahan, Pahang.

The missing hiker, Jaslinda Saludin, 49, was reported to have begun the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition at 2 am on May 23 with 13 other hikers and two Forestry Mountain Guides (MGP) 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 climb. However, Jaslinda was said to have continued towards the summit and was last seen by an MGP on May 24 at 7.30am. — Bernama