The body of Zahalita Othman, who tragically passed away while hiking Mount Tahan last Tuesday, has been successfully evacuated from the mountain area this morning. Ismail Abdul Ghani, Assistant Director (Operations) of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Pahang, explained that the retrieval operation commenced at 8:00 a.m. utilizing a helicopter. By approximately 8:30 a.m., the woman's body had been airlifted by the JBPM helicopter and transported to Clifford Secondary School, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, according to TV3 Bulletin.
Additionally, firefighters provided extra food supplies to the remaining climbers who accompanied the body along the Mount Tahan hiking trail since last Tuesday, to support their journey back down the mountain. Zahalita reportedly passed away at Mount Reskit near Kuala Tahan, Jerantut, at 7:30 a.m. last Tuesday, while participating in a Mount Tahan climbing program. She experienced breathing difficulties while descending after commencing the Mount Tahan hike on February 1st.
Ismail mentioned that the retrieval operation had been ongoing since last Tuesday when firefighters received the report of the deceased climber. However, he noted that their efforts faced challenges due to heavy rain and thick clouds in the mountainous area. The victim's body is expected to be transferred to Jerantut Hospital for further examination.
