Missing hiker Jaslinda’s sister urges prayers, says critics should stop judging without knowing facts

IPOH, June 5 — Family members have described missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, as a kind-hearted, caring and generous person who was always willing to lend a helping hand to others.

Her sister, Jasima, 52, said she last spoke to her youngest sibling over the phone three days before Jaslinda began the hike at Gunung Batu Putih near Tapah, where she has been missing since 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 deeply missed Jaslinda’s cheerful presence and conversations.

According to Jasima, her sister had been active in outdoor activities since her younger days and was not only passionate about hiking, but also enjoyed scuba diving and mountain biking (MTB).

Jasima said they shared the same interest in hiking, although health issues eventually prevented her from continuing the activity.

“Gunung Liang was the last mountain we climbed together in 2022 after returning from a hiking trip to 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.

She said Jaslinda had extensive hiking experience and had conquered several notable peaks, including Mount Kinabalu, Gunung Semangkok and Gunung Stong, in addition to numerous other hills and mountains.

“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 search and rescue (SAR) operation, which is continuing on a smaller scale, Jasima said the family had not lost hope and continued to pray for Jaslinda’s safe discovery.

“We constantly await updates from the authorities because every piece of information means a great deal to our family,” she said.

Commenting on criticism directed at her sister on social media, Jasima said people should refrain from making judgments without knowing the full circumstances.

“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 said what mattered most now was finding her sister, rather than determining who was right or wrong.

“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 to the media after seeing the criticism directed at Jaslinda on social media.

Two days ago, Tapah district police chief Supt Abdul Malik Hasim was reported as saying that the SAR operation would continue on a smaller scale under the leadership of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM).

Jaslinda had earlier joined 13 other hikers and two Forestry Mountain Guides (MGP) on the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition, which began at 2 am on May 23 via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

Jaslinda and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, reportedly experienced health problems and stopped hiking. However, the supply chain executive at a private company was said to have continued towards the summit and was last seen on May 24. — Bernama