A Malaysian hiker has been rescued after surviving two weeks lost in the forests of Perak, relying mainly on water she found in the wild.
Jaslinda Saludin, 49, was part of a group of 14 hikers and two mountain guides trekking Gunung Batu Putih, a challenging route in the Titiwangsa mountain range, which began on May 23. She was reported missing the next day and was finally found around 3pm on Saturday (6 June) by villagers from the Orang Asli settlement of Lubuk Gaharu.
Surviving on water alone
Speaking after her rescue, Jaslinda described her ordeal, revealing that she had little to no resources for surviving in the woods. With no food to eat, the only little hope she had of surviving was through water she found in the wild.
“I only drank black water, brown water, and water from pitcher plants, I felt like I was hanging between life and death.”
She also apologized for the worry her disappearance caused, when interviewed by reporters from various medias.
Found by villagers
According to the Perak Fire and Rescue Department, there was a period of about three days when Jaslinda didn’t have access to water, where she survived on dew, river water and forest produce. Villagers who found her said she was weak and carrying a plastic bag of mushrooms. The hiker suffered minor injuries, including insect bites and small head wounds.
Rescuers noted the difficult terrain made the search extremely challenging. “It was an area our teams had already searched, but the terrain is filled with valleys, waterfalls and soft ground,” said a mountain guide.
Miracle indeed
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed relief at her safe return, thanking the volunteers, rescue teams, and the Orang Asli villagers who helped protect her.
Friends described her rescue as “a miracle,” praising her courage and the swift response of everyone involved.
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