Authorities in Malaysia are introducing new rules for hikers, following a spike in search and rescue operations linked to social media trends. The measures include the mandatory use of guides at 189 high-risk locations around the country, as well as pre-climb screening procedures for hikers.
New Rules for Hikers
Hiking is increasing in popularity in Malaysia, despite the fact that around half of the country’s total land area is carpeted in tropical forest, where high temperatures and humidity are common. Popular treks include summiting Mount Kinabalu, a 4,095-meter mountain in Borneo, or week-long treks in the jungles of Gunung Tahan.
The new rules, introduced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, are designed to reduce the risk of accidents and the need for expensive search and rescue operations. NRES deputy minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said some hikers are setting off underprepared or walking on unauthorized routes.
Pre-climb screening procedures now include health declarations, medical history checks, and insurance coverage. Both the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and the forestry department in Perak state have moved to restrict “compressed hike” activities in high-risk areas.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
