Ean Yong (back row, in blue shirt) posing for a group photo with the mountain guides before they set off on their mission to clear the path up Gunung Rajah.
HIKING guides spent three days cleaning and clearing the trail along a 12km stretch from the Air Luit Pertak campsite in Kuala Kubu Baru to the Gunung Rajah peak.
About 50 mountain guides led by Hulu Selangor Malim Gunung Association (HSMGA) brought ladders, safety tapes, ropes, signage, shovels, chainsaws and other equipment to make the path safe for hikers.
HSMGA chairman Khairul Anwar said the mountain guides would clear dead trees, shrubs and grass, replace old ladders with new ones, cut branches as well as place signage and safety tapes to protect hikers from dangerous areas.
Guides preparing the food ration at the campsite before leaving for Gunung Rajah.
“Hiking paths at nearby Bukit Kutu will also be cleared,“ he said.
“The hike to Gunung Rajah is more challenging compared to Bukit Kutu, therefore, the guides will spend three days in the jungle to ensure the path is safe for hikers.
“The hiking path to Gunung Rajah was only opened to the public in February this year.
“The path was not well maintained because of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.
Khairul says the path has not been maintained due to the pandemic.
Khairul said there were fallen trees, steep slopes and other dangerous areas along the hiking path in need of urgent clearing and maintenance.
“The guides also brought along rubbish bags to clear rubbish thrown by hikers. These will be taken to the campsite before they are disposed of,’’ he said.
The guides’ rations for their hike included bread, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, chillies, water, drinks, coconut milk, rice, biscuits, instant noodles, meat and canned food.
Each backpack also had first aid kits.
The mountain guides charge RM300 to take a group of seven hikers for a one-day trip up Gunung Rajah and back, and RM230 for a day trip up Bukit Kutu.
However, it is advisable to spend two to three days for the Gunung Rajah hike as it is a steep climb up to the 1,685m-high peak.
According to Khairul, there are two routes to Gunung Rajah – one through Kuala Kubu Baru and another through Bentong in Pahang, which is a distance of about 25km.
Hiking guides carrying equipment including a ladder while heading to Gunung Rajah for their noble mission.
Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah sponsored RM2,000 for the guides to buy equipment and food for their mission.
“It is a noble thing that these hiking guides are doing in clearing up the path and ensuring the safety of hikers.
“They are ensuring the forest is clear of litter while preserving the natural beauty and nature of Selangor’s forest,” said Ean Yong.
