IPOH: The Perak State Forestry Department will carry out accident and disaster risk studies at hiking sites statewide, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Saarani said the studies aim to identify high risk zones and develop preventive measures, including possible real time monitoring at higher risk sites.
“As an additional control measure, the department is conducting capacity studies for high traffic hiking areas in Perak using Ecological Fiscal Transfer allocations,” he said.
Saarani added two studies have been completed in the Kinta, Manjung and Southern Perak forest districts.
“Another two are ongoing in Hulu Perak and Kuala Kangsar, while one more in Larut and Matang is scheduled for 2026,” he also said.
Saarani said in the state assembly on Thursday (Nov 27) that the studies will help determine the maximum number of hikers allowed at any time to ensure controlled, safe and sustainable activities
He was replying to M. Thulsi (PH-Buntong) who asked about additional safety measures after the fatal incident at Gunung Liang.
Saarani was also asked about safety for trekkers in forests under the state’s jurisdiction.
On Oct 16, a missing hiker at Gunung Liang near Tanjung Malim was found dead.
The victim, Mustaqqeem Mansoor, 34, and 10 friends began their hike from Fraser’s Hill on October 10 and were to descend at Gunung Liang.
He was last seen on October 14 at about 10.30pm at the summit of Gunung Liang Barat with a leg injury and walking slowly.
Saarani said investigations are underway, with 11 individuals, two mountain guides and nine hikers being probed for entering a Permanent Reserved Forest without a permit.
“Enforcement has been strengthened through a requirement for certified mountain guides for hikes above 500m,” said Saarani.
He said a standard hiking SOP approved in 2023 has been enforced since June 1 last year.
“As the fatal incident involved a trans-boundary route, the department will engage counterparts in Kedah, Kelantan and Pahang to refine cross state conditions,” he said.
Saarani added that there are 55 recognised hiking routes within Permanent Reserved Forest areas in the state.
“All hikers must obtain an online entry permit to allow systematic monitoring of visitor numbers,” he said.
“As the Gunung Liang incident involved a transboundary hike, the department will engage the Forestry Departments of Kedah, Kelantan and Pahang to harmonise procedures,” added Saarani.
