Orang Asli from Kampung Ampang Woh are set to join the operation tomorrow as rescuers expand the search into off-trail areas.
Jaslinda went missing while taking part in the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition on Gunung Batu Putih near Tapah, Perak.
Perak fire and rescue department director Sayani Saidon said 12 Orang Asli had come to the SAR incident control post to offer their services.
They asked for some time to gather more of their friends. They will be divided into smaller groups to help in the search, reported Utusan Malaysia.
The move comes as Orang Asli community leaders expressed their readiness to assist in the search, citing their deep knowledge of the trails and terrain.
The Tok Batin (village chief) of Kampung Batu 17, Bah Ahang, 72, a former General Operations Force serviceman, said villagers regularly ventured into the forest to collect rattan, petai and bamboo. As such, they were well-placed to help.
“If asked to help, we can mobilise our people to join in the search operation, according to each person’s expertise.”
He believes Jaslinda could survive if she had followed a stream down to a larger river. She would most likely have come across several Orang Asli villages around Gunung Batu Putih’s foothills if she did, he added.
The Tok Batin of Kampung Batu 9, Osman Bah Ut, 55, said several young Orang Asli men familiar with the forest had also come forward to help with the SAR.
“Those who know the forest well tend to be the ones who stay in the village. Many others have left to work (in other areas). If needed, we are ready to summon our people to help,” he said.
The Tok Batin of Lata Iskandar, Nazri Bah Ngok, 60, said there was a possibility that Orang Asli residents venturing into the forest to collect produce could find Jaslinda.
“If they go into the deeper areas, there is a chance they could come across Jaslinda, especially if she is near a trail commonly used by our people.”
Nazri said hikers on mountains such as Gunung Batu Putih should engage local mountain guides, adding that the Orang Asli residents of Pos Musoh would make suitable mountain guides as they know the intricacies of the area.
Sayani said the SAR operation, now entering its eighth day, involved around 153 personnel from the fire and rescue department, police, GOF and other agencies.
The search is currently focussed on the area between Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu, covering 35km of jungle trail. An earlier search around the Sungai Busok stream found no signs of Jaslinda.
“Based on the fact that she has now been missing for nine days, her physical condition could have weakened a lot. She is unlikely to have travelled far from that area, making the search more focussed and detailed at that location,” Sayani said.
Jaslinda was part of a group of 14 hikers and two mountain guides who began the Trans Spencer Chapman trek at 2am on May 23.
Jaslinda and another hiker reportedly experienced health issues and stopped along the route. However, Jaslinda later continued towards the summit and was last seen by a mountain guide at about 7.30am the next day.