Cops nab man accused of defaming Orang Asli leader in missing hiker case

TAPAH: Police today arrested a man who allegedly posted defamatory content about an Orang Asli tok batin, or village head, following the discovery of missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin.

Tapah police chief Abdul Malik Hasim said the suspect, a man in his 30s, was arrested at his home in Ipoh at 1pm today, Utusan Malaysia reported.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities, and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for insulting behaviour.

“A remand application will be made in court tomorrow,” Malik was quoted as saying.

Earlier today, he said 11 police reports had been lodged against the man by various parties, including a group of tok batin.

The man issued a public apology yesterday for a TikTok post in which he alleged that Kampung Lubuk Gaharu tok batin Asmmadi Abdullah had concealed Jaslinda before she was found last Saturday.

The TikTok post by user @jokerspillthetea77 also suggested that Asmmadi might have married her had her disappearance not become widely known.

Jaslinda, 49, who was reported missing on May 24 after hiking at Gunung Batu Putih, was found safe by an Orang Asli villager near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu at Pos Musoh last Saturday.

She reportedly began the Trans Spencer Chapman trek at 2am on May 23, together with 13 other hikers and two mountain guides.