When Amateur Radio Meets Search and Rescue: LoRa APRS in the Search for Missing Hiker Jaslinda

When people hear the words amateur radio, many still picture hobbyists talking over the airwaves, chasing distant contacts, or collecting QSL cards.

But deep within the rugged mountains and dense forests of Peninsular Malaysia, amateur radio recently demonstrated its real value in an actual emergency situation.

As search and rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin, technology from the amateur radio community became part of the operation. Members of the Cameron Highlands Amateur Radio Club supported the effort by providing LoRa APRS tracking devices to search personnel operating in difficult terrain.

It was a clear reminder that amateur radio is not only a hobby, but also a practical tool that can improve coordination and potentially save lives.

A Challenging Search

The search for Jaslinda attracted national attention as hundreds of rescuers combed through difficult mountain trails and dense rainforest along the Trans Spencer Chapman route.

Operating in such an environment presents many challenges. Cellular coverage is often unreliable, visibility can be limited, and search teams may be spread across wide areas separated by ridges and valleys.

In situations like these, knowing the exact location of every search team becomes just as important as finding the missing person.

Enter LoRa APRS

To improve situational awareness during the operation, LoRa APRS trackers were deployed among search teams.

APRS, or Automatic Packet Reporting System, has been used by amateur radio operators for many years to transmit location data, messages, and telemetry. When combined with LoRa technology, these trackers can provide long range GPS position reporting while using very low power.

Each tracker sends out periodic location updates, allowing coordinators to monitor team movements in near real time.

Instead of relying only on voice reports, commanders can see where teams have been, identify gaps in the search area, and coordinate resources more effectively.

Why Tracking Matters

In a large scale search and rescue operation, dozens of personnel may be moving through different sectors at the same time.

Without tracking, it can be difficult to determine:

• Which areas have already been searched
• Whether teams are staying within their assigned routes
• Where additional resources are needed
• If a team is in distress and requires assistance

LoRa APRS helps answer these questions by creating a live digital picture of the operation as it unfolds.

This improves not only efficiency but also the safety of the rescuers themselves.

Amateur Radio’s Continuing Relevance

The use of LoRa APRS during the search for Jaslinda highlights how amateur radio continues to evolve with modern technology.

Today’s amateur radio operators are actively exploring digital communications, GPS tracking, mesh networking, telemetry systems, and internet connected radio networks. These tools complement traditional voice communication and expand what volunteer operators can contribute during emergencies.

While smartphones, satellites, and internet services dominate everyday communication, remote wilderness environments still present serious challenges. In these situations, independent radio systems often remain one of the most reliable options.

Service to the Community

Perhaps the most important part of this story is the willingness of volunteers to contribute their skills and equipment during a critical mission.

The amateur radio community has always been built on a strong sense of public service. Whether assisting during natural disasters, supporting community events, or helping coordinate search and rescue operations, radio amateurs continue to show that technical knowledge can become a powerful asset when it is needed most.

The search for Jaslinda is a reminder that behind every callsign is a person ready to help.

And sometimes, a small tracker sending its position from deep inside the forest can make a real difference in bringing someone home safely.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoRa

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Packet_Reporting_System

https://github.com/richonguzman/LoRa_APRS_Tracker