ADVERSE weather conditions and the challenging terrain of Gunung Batu Putih are emerging as major obstacles in the ongoing search-and-rescue (SAR) operation for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, as rescuers continue a complex aerial mission involving helicopter winching in one of the country's most demanding mountain environments.
Deputy Fire Superintendent II Mohd Hasrizal Kamaruzzaman told Berita Harian that clustered cloud formations, strong winds and heavily forested areas with limited landing space had complicated aerial operations conducted using a Russian-built MI-17 helicopter from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department's Central Region Air Base.
The operation required rescuers to be lowered and extracted by cable in a process known as winching, with 32 rescue personnel deployed in the Kem Sukaneka area.
"The weather this morning was good, but there were clustered clouds and strong winds. Once we reached the summit, the winching operation alone involved 32 personnel.
"The challenge is particularly difficult because we are winching in a very confined area surrounded by trees. At times, the wind appears to kick the winching system, making the aircraft difficult to control," he said at the SAR operations forward command post at the General Operations Force's Third Battalion base in Bidor.
Mohd Hasrizal stressed that the insertion and extraction of rescue personnel must be carried out swiftly to minimise the risk of mechanical failures or technical malfunctions involving the helicopter's hoist system.
"The winching technique or use of a hoist system for an extended period can cause the equipment to experience extreme temperature increases.
"This condition carries the risk of mechanical disruption or the system becoming jammed. Therefore, regular inspections and close monitoring of the equipment are essential," he said.
The veteran pilot, who has accumulated two decades of experience as both a pilot and co-pilot with the Fire and Rescue Department, previously participated in SAR missions at Gunung Yong Yap in 2023 and in three separate rescue operations at Gunung Tahan in Pahang.
As the operation entered its ninth day, survival specialists suggested there remains reason for optimism, pointing to Jaslinda's extensive trekking background and signs that she remained mentally resilient during the initial stages of her disappearance.
Meanwhile, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Dr Mohd Shariman Shafie, said the 49-year-old's nearly 10 years of experience in endurance hiking and outdoor activities would likely have strengthened both her physical resilience and psychological endurance.
He said the discovery of personal belongings and messages left behind by the missing hiker indicated a positive mental state shortly after she became separated from her group.
"The discovery of a water bottle, supplement packaging and sweet wrappers believed to belong to the victim suggests she was making efforts to maintain hydration and nutritional intake.
"Furthermore, the note written on the ground indicating that she had reached the summit clearly demonstrates that her psychological condition was highly positive.
"Jaslinda's experience is a major advantage in helping her regulate her emotions and maintain the mental resilience required for survival," he said.
Explaining the limits of human endurance in wilderness environments, Mohd Shariman referred to the widely recognised survival principle known as the "Rule of Threes", popularised by survival instructor Cody Lundin in 2003.
"This guideline states that an individual faces an increased risk of death after three minutes without oxygen, three hours exposed to extreme weather without shelter, three days without water and three weeks without food.
"However, actual survival capability is also influenced by factors such as weather conditions, physical fitness, experience, skills and additional equipment, including any medication carried by the individual," he said.
He also highlighted the case of Nur Maisarah Sameaun, who survived after being lost for 19 days on Gunung Tahan in 2018, as evidence that prolonged survival in Malaysian jungle conditions is possible.
"The victim in that case consumed only a type of chocolate during the first three days and subsequently relied entirely on river water to stay alive.
"This demonstrates the critical importance of water in survival situations, particularly given that between 50 and 60 per cent of an adult human body's weight consists of fluid," he said.
Mohd Shariman noted that Gunung Batu Putih, which rises to 2,130 metres above sea level, is regarded as one of the country's more extreme hiking routes.
"The extremely cold temperatures, which can fall to around six degrees Celsius, require significant endurance from anyone exposed to them.
"In addition to the risk of dehydration caused by high-intensity physical activity, the threat of hypothermia is strongly associated with this environment, particularly when combined with wet clothing from sweat or rain, cold winds and physical exhaustion," he said.
Jaslinda was reported missing after joining 13 other hikers and two forestry mountain guides on the Spencer Chapman Traverse route, which began at 2am on May 23 via Pos Gedung, Gunung Bah Gading, Gunung Batu Putih and Kuala Woh.
She and fellow hiker Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, reportedly experienced health difficulties during the trek and stopped to rest.
However, Jaslinda later continued towards the summit and was last seen by a mountain guide at about 7.30am on May 24.
Rescue teams have been searching the mountainous terrain ever since. - June 2, 2026
