Ipoh: A strong sense of duty towards safeguarding human lives has motivated Semai Orang Asli volunteers to assist in the search for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who disappeared while trekking at Gunung Batu Putih on May 24.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tok Batin of Kampung Ampang Woh, Bah Lilit, 52, emphasized that the effort was not merely a task but a responsibility to help rescuers locate the victim after the search and rescue (SAR) operation had yet to yield results. Initially, the volunteers followed the search's developments without interfering with the rescue teams' work. However, as the victim remained missing, they felt compelled to contribute, leveraging their experience and familiarity with the area to aid the effort.

The group's search operation is set to commence tomorrow at 7 am, continuing for six days along a route from Kampung Ampang Woh to areas around Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu. These locations are believed to be among the routes taken by the victim, although they differ from the main trails used by rescuers.

Bah Lilit explained that the journey from Kampung Woh to Sukaneka Camp would take over a day, with a brief rest before continuing the search. If no traces are found, the search will proceed to Gunung Rayu, a six-hour journey. The volunteers plan to move simultaneously in a large group, each clearing their own path to expand the search area while maintaining safety.

Challenges anticipated during the operation include the hilly terrain and dense forest, which complicate movement and search efforts. Unpredictable weather and the long journey also pose difficulties, as the group must carry adequate food supplies and equipment.

Volunteer Bah Fazil, 56, will serve as a guide and route monitor, ensuring smooth team movements within the designated search areas. His experience travelling through the forests will aid in identifying suitable routes and inspection areas. He stressed the importance of ensuring all suspected areas are thoroughly searched while maintaining the safety of the team.

Bah Fazil also advised hikers and nature enthusiasts to inform the Orang Asli community before embarking on trekking activities to facilitate monitoring and enhance safety. He noted past instances where hikers failed to inform locals and only sought help after incidents occurred, suggesting early communication would ease search operations.

Jaslinda reportedly began the Trans Spencer Chapman trek at 2 am on May 23 with 13 others and two forest mountain guides, following the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route. She and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, experienced health issues and halted, but Jaslinda continued towards the summit and was last seen by a guide at 7.30 am on May 24.