Jungle survivor Jaslinda Saludin smiles through fatigue, family says appetite and spirit returning fast

TAPAH, June 8 — After enduring 14 days in the jungle, hiker Jaslinda Saludin is steadily regaining strength, with her family saying she is cheerful and has begun eating again.

The New Straits Times (NST) reported that her sister Jasima, 52, said doctors are keeping a close watch on Jaslinda’s recovery.

“Jaslinda is doing well. She appears to have more energy now and is a little more cheerful.

“She wants to eat everything, which is understandable after not eating for 14 days. However, her condition still does not fully permit it, so we are only allowing her to have small amounts at a time,” she told NST.

Jasima added that her sister remains fatigued but is in good spirits and enjoys chatting with relatives who visit her at Tapah Hospital.

She said Jaslinda sustained minor injuries, including to her ankle, as well as wounds on her body, hands and head, but her overall condition continues to improve. The family has no plans to transfer her to another hospital.

Jasima also pointed out that Jaslinda has begun sleeping soundly again.

Jaslinda was found safe on Friday at an Orang Asli settlement near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu in Pos Musoh, two weeks after she went missing at Gunung Batu Putih.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon said she was discovered around 3pm by a resident, Nazri Bah Eng, who informed his nephew in Johor before alerting the authorities.