TAPAH, June 4 — “Even though the official search and rescue (SAR) operation has ended, we will continue searching for as long as we are able.”

That was the pledge made by Orang Asli volunteers to their coordinator, Chew Ho Beng, before setting out once again to trace the whereabouts of missing climber Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who went missing while climbing Gunung Batu Putih near here on May 24.

Chew, who is also the Special Officer to the Perak Menteri Besar for Orang Asli affairs, said the group of 22 Semai volunteers believes that the area around Gunung Batu Putih, particularly Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu, remains the most likely location where the victim may be found based on their experience and clues gathered during the operation.

“They strongly believe the victim is still within the Gunung Batu Putih area because there are signs and indications believed to have been left behind before her disappearance. It may simply take more time to locate her.

“Although the official search mission has ended, they will continue entering and leaving the forest in the course of their daily activities, including gathering forest produce. Until then, the disappearance of the woman will remain in their thoughts, and any clue discovered will not be ignored,” he told Bernama yesterday.

Jaslinda was reported missing after participating in the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition with 13 other climbers and two Forestry Mountain Guides (MGP) guides. The group began the climb at 2 am on May 23 via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

Jaslinda and another climber, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, reportedly experienced health difficulties and stopped their ascent. However, the private company clerk was later believed to have continued towards the summit and was last seen on May 24.

Meanwhile, Chew said the incident should serve as a reminder to climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to place greater emphasis on safety when undertaking expeditions in remote and mountainous areas.

He stressed that every climb should be carefully planned, including informing local communities and adhering to appropriate travel times to minimise risks.

“Based on our beliefs and experience, it is best to enter the forest after sunrise and leave before sunset. During daylight hours, visibility is better and potential dangers can be identified more easily.

“Travelling in darkness, especially in the early hours of the morning, not only increases risks to climbers but can also complicate rescue efforts should an emergency occur,” he said.

Chew also expressed disappointment over reports that some climbers continue to leave rubbish along hiking trails, including sanitary waste, which he said reflects a lack of respect for the environment and local communities.

“I was informed that some climbers leave behind rubbish, including sanitary pads. Such behaviour should not happen, especially when these individuals are supposed to be nature lovers,” he said.

He emphasised that the message was not intended to discourage visitors from entering the area, but rather to encourage greater discipline and respect for the environment, as well as the unwritten customs and values upheld by the local community. — Bernama