Malaysia introduces stricter hiking rules amid rescue operation rise
Under the new
regulations, hikers will be required to use licensed guides at 189 high-risk
locations across the country. Authorities have also introduced pre-climb
screening procedures, including health declarations, medical history checks and
insurance verification, according to reports.
The Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) said the measures are aimed
at preventing accidents, reducing cases of hikers getting lost and minimizing
the resources required for rescue missions.
NRES Deputy Minister Syed
Ibrahim Syed Noh said some hikers enter challenging routes without adequate
preparation or use unauthorized trails, increasing safety risks.
Malaysia’s tropical
forests, high humidity and dense vegetation make many hiking routes
challenging, particularly for inexperienced trekkers. Popular destinations
include Mount Kinabalu in Borneo and Gunung Tahan in Peninsular Malaysia, along
with urban hiking spots such as Penang Hill and KL Forest Eco Park.
Authorities are also
restricting “compressed hikes,” where hikers attempt long routes in
significantly shorter periods. Officials warned that the trend, often promoted
through social media, can increase risks by reducing preparation time and
safety margins.
The government said the
new approach focuses on preventing emergencies before they occur while
encouraging safer and more responsible outdoor activities.
Caption:
Borneo's Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia, is popular with
hikers
