Missing M'sian hiker, 49, found after 14 days, had no food & survived by drinking from pitcher plants

A Malaysian hiker who went missing in the forests of Perak for 14 days has been found safe, surviving without food and drinking water from pitcher plants to stay alive.

According to Malay Mail, Jaslinda Saludin, 49, was found on the afternoon of Jun. 6 near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh, in Tapah, Perak, by Orang Asli villager Nazri Bah Eng. She was subsequently taken to Tapah Hospital for treatment.

How she went missing

Jaslinda was part of a group of 14 hikers and two Forestry Mountain Guides who set off on the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition at 2am on May 23, taking the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route.

She and another hiker encountered health problems and stopped during the climb. Jaslinda later pressed on towards the summit alone and was last seen by a guide at 7:30am on May 24.

14 days without food

In a short video shared on social media, Jaslinda recounted how she had gone through the entire ordeal without food, relying on whatever water she could find in the forest to survive, per The Star.

According to The Star, she said:

"I had no food, I didn't eat for two weeks. I drank water… dark water, brown water, water from pitcher plants. So let's all be grateful to be alive."

She added:

"I only had my first meal earlier today after I was found and brought to the Tok Batin's house."

In another video, she described repeatedly falling and struggling to survive each day in the forest.

Multiple falls, minor injuries

Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad told reporters that, based on information Jaslinda provided to rescuers, she had fallen several times while navigating difficult terrain, including near river areas and from heights of about five and three metres.

She also sustained insect bites during her time in the forest.

He said:

“She is in stable condition and sustained only minor injuries."

Found by Orang Asli villager

Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Sayani Saidon said after Nazri found Jaslinda, he contacted his nephew in Johor to report the matter to the authorities.

She said in a statement:

"Upon finding the victim, he informed his nephew in Johor, who then lodged a report with the authorities.