Bidor: 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 highlighted the difficulties encountered during the aerial operation using a Russian-made MI-17 helicopter from the JBPM Central Region Air Base, which required complex winching procedures to deploy and extract rescue personnel. The operation at the Sukaneka Camp area involved 32 rescuers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Hasrizal explained that while the weather was favourable in the morning, clustered clouds and strong winds at higher altitudes posed significant challenges. The main difficulty lay in executing winching in a confined area surrounded by trees, with strong winds causing the cable to swing, complicating aircraft control. He emphasized the necessity of conducting insertion and extraction operations swiftly with skilled personnel to minimize risks during the mission.

He further noted that prolonged use of the hoist system could result in extreme heat build-up, increasing the risk of mechanical failure or the system becoming jammed. Regular inspections and close monitoring are essential to prevent mechanical issues or equipment malfunction.

Mohd Hasrizal, who has 20 years of experience as a JBPM pilot and co-pilot, has 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, began 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, experienced health problems and stopped during the climb. However, Jaslinda continued towards the summit and was last seen by an MGP on May 24 at 7.30 am.