FAMILY members of missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, have described her as a warm, generous and nature-loving individual with extensive experience in outdoor activities, as authorities continue search and rescue operations at Gunung Batu Putih.
Her sister, Jasima, 52, said she last spoke to Jaslinda by telephone three days before the hike began, adding that the family last had contact with her before she joined the expedition at the Perak mountain where she was last seen on May 24.
“Jaslinda was a very kind and helpful person. At times, I had to step in because some people would take advantage of her kindness.
“I am not saying this to praise her, but that was simply who she was,” she told Bernama, adding that the family continues to miss her deeply and remembers her as someone with a bright and cheerful personality.
Jasima said her younger sister had long been active in outdoor sports and was not only passionate about hiking, but also enjoyed scuba diving and mountain biking, reflecting a lifelong affinity for nature and adventure.
The siblings shared a common passion for hiking, although Jasima said she later had to stop due to health reasons. She recalled several significant expeditions they had undertaken together, including their last climb at Gunung Liang in 2022 after returning from Gunung Rinjani in Indonesia.
“One of the memories I cherish most is when we planned to complete the G7 challenge together, including climbing Gunung Yong Yap in 2019,” she said.
According to her, Jaslinda had successfully completed numerous major hikes, including Mount Kinabalu, Gunung Semangkok and Gunung Stong, alongside many other treks, underscoring her long-standing experience in the outdoors.
“Jaslinda loved nature. Being outdoors gave her peace of mind, away from the hustle and bustle of city life and the pressures of work.
“She had been hiking for more than 10 years. However, experience does not mean a person knows everything or is prepared for every situation, as each hike comes with its own challenges,” she said.
On the ongoing search and rescue efforts, which have been scaled down but continue, Jasima said the family remains hopeful and is relying on updates from authorities as operations progress.
“We constantly await updates from the authorities because every piece of information means a great deal to our family,” she said.
She also addressed criticism circulating on social media regarding her sister, urging the public not to make assumptions without full knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Those judging Jaslinda did not know her personally. We do not know what actually happened at the time. Only those who were with her know the real situation,” she said.
Jasima added that the family’s priority remains locating Jaslinda rather than assigning blame, stressing that emotional closure and her safe recovery are paramount.
“I am not asking for anything more than prayers for Jaslinda to be found. I also apologise on her behalf if she has ever offended anyone.
“My heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved in the search for my sister,” she said, adding that she decided to speak publicly after seeing criticism directed at Jaslinda on social media.
Jaslinda was among 14 hikers and two Forestry Department mountain guides participating in the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition, which began on May 23.
She and another participant reportedly experienced health difficulties and halted their ascent, but Jaslinda was later said to have continued towards the summit before she was last seen on May 24, after which she went missing. - June 6, 2026
