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Malaysia tightens hiking rules to reduce accidents, search and rescue ops

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Malaysia has strengthened regulations for hiking activities in high-risk mountainous areas to prevent accidents and reduce the need for costly search and rescue operations.
  • New measures include stricter pre-climb screening, mandatory mountain guides at 189 high-risk locations, and the development of technology-based trail management systems.
  • The government aims to minimize risks such as extreme fatigue and disorientation by implementing preventative measures before hikers embark on their journeys.

Malaysia is tightening control over hiking in its high-risk mountainous regions to curb accidents and lessen the burden of expensive search and rescue (SAR) operations. The nation's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry announced the enhanced measures, aiming to prioritize hiker safety and optimize resource allocation.

Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh stated that the government's primary objective is to reduce the likelihood of hikers becoming lost or injured, thereby minimizing the demand for SAR missions. "Our approach is aimed at preventing incidents before they occur by reducing the risks of extreme fatigue, disorientation and other emergencies," he explained during a parliamentary session. This proactive strategy addresses the persistent issue of hikers underestimating preparation or venturing onto unauthorized paths.

The government’s priority is to reduce the risk of hikers getting lost and prevent accidents, thereby minimising the need for SAR operations, which require substantial financial resources and manpower.

— Syed Ibrahim Syed NohThe Deputy Minister explained the core reasons behind the tightened hiking regulations.

To achieve these goals, various departments are implementing specific restrictions. The Perak Forestry Department has banned "compressed hike" activities in dangerous zones, while the Department of Wildlife and National Parks has imposed similar limitations at its ecotourism sites. Furthermore, pre-climb screening procedures are being reinforced. These now include health declarations, medical history reviews, and insurance verification, with a specific focus on screening for altitude sickness symptoms, particularly for those attempting climbs like Mount Kinabalu and Mount Tahan.

Mandatory forestry mountain guides will be required at 189 high-risk hiking locations nationwide, a measure implemented by the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia. The government is also investing in technological solutions, collaborating with the Malaysian Space Agency to develop a geographic information system-based hiking trail management system and enhance remote sensing capabilities. These advancements are expected to further improve safety and operational efficiency in managing the country's popular hiking trails.

Our approach is aimed at preventing incidents before they occur by reducing the risks of extreme fatigue, disorientation and other emergencies.

— Syed Ibrahim Syed NohSyed Ibrahim elaborated on the preventative strategy being adopted by the ministry.
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Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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