IPOH: The Cameron Highlands permanent forest reserve has temporarily barred all recreational activities until Sunday (Sept 22) due to heavy rains and thunderstorms.
Cameron Highlands District Forest Officer Arifhadi Johari Affandi said all recreational and jungle trekking activities have been stopped as a precaution since Wednesday (Sept 18).
He said notices have been placed in the areas concerned on the temporary halt due to the uncertain weather conditions predicted for the next few days.
“We are taking precautionary measures based on the weather conditions by the Meteorological Department.
“There are some 30-odd hiking trails that are closed for the moment,” he said when contacted today. (Sept 18)
Arifhadi added that the Mossy Forest Eco Park and Sungai Pauh campsite are among the well-known parks that are closed.
He urged for caution in dealing with the rain and strong winds in the highlands.
“I hope no one enters the recreational areas when we have clearly put up the notices.
“This is for the safety of everyone. Do not enter the permanent forest reserve at this point in time.
“Before the parks are reopened we will assess the weather conditions first,” he said, adding that they were afraid of trees falling or even landslides in such bad weather.
Cameron Highlands OCPD Deputy Supt Azri Ramli advised the public to avoid hiking activities at all costs until the weather conditions are safe.
He said there are already many incidents of trees uprooting due to the strong winds in several areas.
“Thankfully there are no casualties or vehicles damaged due to incidents of trees falling.
“But we must always be on the alert and careful at all times. There are incidences of trees falling on the roads leading up to Cameron Highlands from Tapah and Simpang Pulai as well.
“The fallen trees were all removed promptly by the authorities concerned,” he added.
He said so far no landslides have been reported.
