Female mountain guides brave elements, ensure climber safety

Rain, slippery trails, leeches, fatigue, and even flash floods and elephants are no deterrent for two female mountain guides from Hulu Dungun. For Noor Azura Abdul Wahab, 41, her job as a mountain guide is not just about leading climbers to summits but requires significant physical and mental endurance, along with the ability to make swift decisions in unexpected situations.

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It was like a dream come true; I've always loved extreme activities and hiking, so I immediately filled out the form to become a mountain guide.

This year marks a decade since Noor Azura became a mountain guide under the Hulu Dungun Mountain Guide Association, having joined in 2016. Previously working as a cleaner, she seized the opportunity when the Forestry Department opened up positions for local residents. "It was like a dream come true; I've always loved extreme activities and hiking, so I immediately filled out the form to become a mountain guide," she told Mingguan Malaysia.

Before officially becoming a guide, Noor Azura had to undergo rigorous training and pass a two-day climbing test on Mount Berembun, which stands 1,108 meters above sea level. This mountain is part of the popular Chemerong-Berembun-Langsir (CBL) trekking route in Hulu Dungun. "After passing the test, I continued my work as a mountain guide, and the experiences over the past 10 years are unforgettable," she said. Among her most challenging experiences was participating in a rescue operation for a climber involved in a gas explosion incident in 2017.

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After passing the test, I continued my work as a mountain guide, and the experiences over the past 10 years are unforgettable.

Noor Azura described being tasked with guiding the rescue team to Air Terjun Langsir late in the afternoon, arriving at the location around midnight. "It was challenging because we were moving as it got darker, and anything could happen along the way. As a mountain guide, you must always be prepared and know what actions to take in an emergency," she stated. She also noted that guides must remain patient and professional, dealing with various climber behaviors. For each trek, she typically guides seven to 14 climbers, ensuring they follow safety briefings and instructions.

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It was challenging because we were moving as it got darker, and anything could happen along the way. As a mountain guide, you must always be prepared and know what actions to take in an emergency.