Orang Asli Volunteer Honoured For Role In Jaslinda SAR Operation
IPOH, July 9 (Bernama) -- Tok Batin of Kampung Orang Asli Ampang Woh, Bah Lilit Bah Batas, who volunteered in the search for missing female hiker Jaslinda Saludin at Gunung Batu Putih in May, received a certificate of appreciation from the Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) today.
Bah Lilit, 52, received the certificate from Perak JBPM director Datuk Sayani Saidon during the July 2026 monthly assembly held at the Perak JBPM headquarters in Meru Raya today.
Others who received appreciation certificates included Perak Menteri Besar’s special officer for Orang Asli Affairs Chew Ho Beng, Malaysian Mountain Guide Association (PMGM) chairman Muzafar Mohamad, as well as several other individuals and agencies involved in the search and rescue (SAR) operation for Jaslinda.
On June 6, Jaslinda, 49, was found safe by residents of Kampung Orang Asli Lubuk Gaharu after being missing for 14 days since May 24 while hiking Gunung Batu Putih.
Jaslinda started the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition with 13 other individuals and two Forestry Mountain Guides (MGP) at 2 am on May 23 via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.
Earlier, Sayani in his speech expressed his highest appreciation to all parties who contributed their commitment, energy and time throughout Jaslinda’s SAR operation.
He said search and rescue operations in forest and mountainous areas are not easy as they require physical endurance, mental strength, navigation skills, technological support, inter-agency coordination and extraordinary patience.
“More importantly, the spirit of togetherness was critical throughout the operation. No single agency can carry out an operation on its own.
“The success of any mission depends on trust, cooperation and willingness of all parties to work together as one team,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a press conference later, Sayani said the department has no plans to establish a special SAR team involving the Orang Asli community as they are already involved in current operations.
He said the Orang Asli community is already involved in rescue teams, including the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM). They are also assisting the General Operations Force (GOF), which has personnel skilled in navigating remote areas.
Sayani said JBPM has established the Orang Asli Volunteer Fire Brigades in several areas, including Kampung Orang Asli Ulu Geruntum in Gopeng.
-- BERNAMA
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