Jaslinda Saludin, the hiker who survived 14 days alone in the wilderness near Gunung Batu Putih, is recovering well and is expected to be discharged from hospital this week after losing nearly 10kg during the ordeal.
Tapah Hospital director Dr Wan Immi Salim said Jaslinda has shown remarkable improvement since she was admitted on Friday night following her rescue.
“There is a significant difference between her condition when she went missing and when she was found. We estimate that she lost close to 10kg during the ordeal.
“However, her condition is stable and continues to improve. She is able to eat, speak and communicate normally,” she told reporters at the hospital today.
Also present were Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman Datuk A. Sivanesan and state Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi.
Dr Wan Immi said the 49-year-old is expected to remain under observation for several more days before being allowed to return home.
“If her recovery continues as expected, she may be discharged within this week,” she said.
Jaslinda was admitted to Tapah Hospital after being rescued from the forest on Friday by the Fire and Rescue Department’s Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) team.
She is receiving treatment for wounds and abrasions sustained during her time in the wilderness, as well as a leg injury that required a partial cast.
Despite reports that she had fallen several times while attempting to find her way out of the forest, medical examinations found no evidence of head or brain injuries.
“When she first arrived, she told us she had fallen several times, particularly during the early stages of her ordeal. She reportedly fell about five metres into a ravine, which caused her to lose her bearings and become disoriented.
“As a precaution, we conducted thorough examinations to rule out any head or brain injuries.
“Alhamdulillah, there is no indication of any injury to her head or brain. The injuries identified are limited to external wounds and abrasions,” Dr Wan Immi said.
She added that Jaslinda was especially relieved and happy to be reunited with her husband, children and other family members following the traumatic experience.
While the hospital does not have an in-house counsellor, ward staff have been closely monitoring her emotional well-being.
“I personally check on her and ask whether she is able to rest, sleep and cope with the situation.
“Alhamdulillah, everything has been very positive. She is an extremely positive person with a strong determination. I believe that has played a major role in her remarkably fast recovery,” she said.
Jaslinda was found safe on Friday at an Orang Asli settlement near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu in Pos Musoh after spending two weeks missing in the Gunung Batu Putih area.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon said she was discovered at about 3pm by a local resident, who subsequently alerted authorities.
Jaslinda had joined a group of hikers participating in the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition, which began on May 23. She was last seen by mountain guides at about 7.30am on May 24 after continuing the climb alone.
