Many ignoring off-limits rules

JOHOR BARU: Legal action will be taken against those who enter permanent forest reserves in the state despite these areas being closed to the public due to the ongoing monsoon, warn police.

This is after police found that some people are still camping and hiking.

“This is a reminder as there are still some stubborn individuals who do not follow the rules.

“There are still some camping and hiking trips being carried out on the hillside despite the authorities having banned recreational activities in forest reserves throughout the state,” Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat told reporters at the state police headquarters here yesterday.

He said authorities rescued a 57-year-old man at around 1am yesterday after he was reported missing while hiking in Gunung Pulai, which is now closed to the public.

He said the man, who went hiking in Gunung Pulai alone, was found exhausted by search-and-rescue teams and was sent to hospital for a medical check-up.

“The man has trespassed into the area, which is temporarily off-limits to the public. We will take action against anyone.

“We are doing this to prevent unwanted incidents involving public safety, especially now with the ongoing monsoon season. As a public reminder, please follow the rules,” Comm Kamarul Zaman said.

On Monday, authorities launched a search-and-rescue operation to find the missing hiker, identified as Lee Chin Chai.

Lee, who was hiking alone, was last seen by other hikers in the area at around 10am on Sunday when he was shown the trail to the mountain by his friend.

Recreational activities have been temporarily banned in all permanent forest reserves in the state due to the current northeast monsoon season.