MALAYSIAN hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, made headlines recently when she was rescued after being lost more than two weeks in the jungle in Perak.
She was reported missing during a Trans Spencer Chapman hike on May 23 along the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh trail which involved 13 others and two Forestry Department mountain guides.
Jaslinda was found exhausted near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh at about 5 pm on June 6 by members of the Orang Asli community.
Agencies and individuals involved in the extensive search and rescue (SAR) operations included the police, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Forestry Department, local authorities, volunteers and members of the Orang Asli community.
Commenting on Jaslinda’s rescue, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said it should be a wake-up call for outdoor enthusiasts to put safety first when venturing into nature.
Lee also highlighted the importance of proper preparation before embarking on any outdoor activities.
He said, “Nature is beautiful and rewarding but it can also be unpredictable and unforgiving. Even experienced hikers can encounter difficulties, become disoriented, suffer injuries or face adverse weather conditions.”
Lee also advised hikers to take safety precautions seriously before embarking on any expedition, including avoiding solo hikes, informing family members or authorities of their planned routes, registering with relevant authorities where required and carrying sufficient emergency supplies.
Among the essential items he recommended were food, drinking water, whistles, torchlights, power banks, first aid kits and other emergency equipment.
Lee also advised hikers to ensure their mobile phones were fully charged and, where possible, carry GPS tracking devices or personal locator beacons.
He added that hikers should also wear appropriate clothing and footwear, monitor weather forecasts, remain on designated trails and seek the help of experienced guides when exploring unfamiliar or challenging routes.
Lee also urged outdoor enthusiasts to acquire basic survival and emergency response skills.
Good and practical words of advice indeed from Lee, an iconic Malaysian social activist and former politician, revered as the ultimate ‘man of the people’.
A four-term Member of Parliament for Bukit Bintang, he earned the moniker “the MP with a typewriter” for his relentless, hands-on dedication to solving constituents’ problems.
After retiring from party politics in 1990, Lee became an esteemed lifelong advocate for public service, occupational safety and national unity. His half-century of humanitarian work – dating back to his early days as a teacher and trade unionist to his current role leading the Alliance for a Safe Community – has earned him widespread respect across all strata of society, including seven honorary doctorates.
Lee also called on the authorities to review and strengthen hiking safety measures including registration systems, emergency communication mechanisms, warning signage, trail monitoring and public awareness campaigns.
Although the growing popularity of hiking and outdoor activities was encouraging, it should be accompanied by a strong culture of safety and personal responsibility, he said.
“Prevention is always better than rescue,” he added.
Indeed, it should be noted that although hiking is accessible to almost everyone provided they select appropriate trails, prepare properly and manage risks, not all legs are made for hiking.
This is because the sport requires vastly different physical demands than flat walking or running. I learn that hiking involves steep climbs that strain the glutes and calves, combined with jarring, downhill landings that heavily impact your quads and knee joints.
Everyday walking only utilises a fraction of your leg muscles but hiking—especially with a backpack—requires neuromuscular adaptation; your brain, muscles and tendons must learn how to handle continuous hours of elevation change.
Until those stabiliser muscles and connective tissues are conditioned, your legs will easily become tired.
Going up, it has been pointed out, is not the hardest part of a hike. Instead, downhill hiking is the biggest culprit for sore, “jelly” legs.
Descending puts intense eccentric stress on the quads, knees and shins as they work to brake your body weight with every step. If your legs are conditioned primarily for flat surfaces, they won’t have the shock-absorbing capacity needed for steep descents.
Hiking also relies heavily on your core and hip muscles for balance on loose terrain. If your hips hike or if your ankles lack strength, you are unable to naturally cushion blows. It has been suggested that any hikers who struggle with the physical demands of the trail need to train these smaller stabiliser muscles
Do you know that in Sarawak, based on reported incidents up to early May this year, the Fire and Rescue Department has assisted at least five hikers in separate incidents?
On May 8, 2026, a woman in her 40s was rescued after fainting while hiking at Bukit Selabat and was carried down from the steep terrain by firefighters.
On May 2, 2026, a 24-year-old male was rescued near the summit of Mount Singai after suffering severe leg cramps, dehydration and vomiting,
On April 5, 2026, two hikers (one with leg injury, one unhurt) were rescued at Lambir Hills National Park in an overnight operation after being stranded.
On April 25, 2026, three hikers reported missing at Donu Peninjau, Bau were found safe. They managed to exit on their own with some village assistance. No active Fire and Rescue Department help was needed.
My friends, before you go hiking, remember Lee’s good and practical words of advice. Remember not all legs are made for hiking.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at adelinel888@gmail.com.
