‘Miracle’ in the Mountains: Missing Malaysian Hiker Found Alive After Two Weeks in Wilderness
Kuala Lumpur– A Malaysian hiker who disappeared during a solo trek through a remote mountain range was found alive after nearly two weeks in the wilderness, ending an intensive search operation that captivated the nation and prompted an outpouring of relief from officials, rescuers and family members.
Jaslinda Saludin, 49, was discovered on Saturday in a forested area near the town of Tapah in Malaysia’s Perak state, several kilometers from the location where she was last seen, local media reported.
The experienced hiker had been missing since embarking on a section of the challenging Trans Spencer Chapman trail, a 34-kilometer route that traverses rugged terrain along the Titiwangsa mountain range, which forms the backbone of Peninsular Malaysia.
Saludin was last seen after leaving a rest camp alone to ascend Gunung Batu Putih, commonly known as White Rock Mountain. When she failed to return, authorities launched a large-scale search involving helicopters, specialized rescue teams and indigenous community trackers familiar with the dense rainforest landscape.
Her disappearance quickly became one of Malaysia’s most closely followed rescue operations, generating extensive media coverage and widespread public concern.
According to local reports, Saludin was located by fishermen on Saturday afternoon. She told rescuers she survived by drinking water from rivers and streams and eating berries and other edible plants found in the forest.
Friends and relatives expressed astonishment that she had managed to endure nearly two weeks in the harsh environment.
“When we heard that she had been found safe, it felt like our prayers had been answered. It is truly a miracle,” her friend Hishammuddin Ahmad said.
Following her rescue, Saludin was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad, assistant director of operations at the Perak Fire and Rescue Department, told local media that she suffered relatively minor injuries, including insect bites and wounds to her head, despite her extended ordeal in the wilderness.
The successful rescue highlighted the role played by indigenous Malaysian communities, whose knowledge of the terrain assisted search teams navigating the dense forests of central Malaysia.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the outcome and thanked all those involved in the operation. In a message posted on social media, he expressed gratitude to rescuers and community members who participated in efforts to locate the missing hiker.
Authorities have not yet provided further details on how Saludin became separated from the trail or how she survived for nearly two weeks before being found.
