PETALING JAYA: Hiking has become increasingly popular with many Malaysians who wish to stay active and reconnect with nature. But as weather conditions get more extreme, especially with evening storms, many hikers are increasingly exposed to danger.
Seasoned hikers say proper preparation, awareness and safety precautions are vital to ensure an enjoyable experience on the trails.
For Kanagaratnam Karthigesu, the reminder comes from firsthand experience.
“Never hike alone unprepared and without proper equipment,” said the 82-year-old, recalling how he got lost in the jungle at Bukit Lagong in 2017 and survived for three days and two nights without food, relying only on rainwater.
“I was supposed to go for a short hike but I went off trail and suddenly realised I was walking in circles,” he said.
Kanagaratnam, who has been hiking with the Hash House Harriers for almost 40 years, said he survived by staying close to a river during continuous rain.
“It rained for two days, so I had no problem with water. I just drank from the stream,” he said.
He said hikers should wear proper clothing to prevent mosquito bites or bee stings and use proper hiking shoes.
They should also carry sufficient water, snacks, torchlights and power banks, he added.
“Anything can happen in the jungle. You can faint, fall or lose your way very easily because all the trees look the same.”
Kanagaratnam advised hikers to use walking poles, especially when descending steep slopes.
He also urged the public to avoid hiking late in the evening on unfamiliar trails and to monitor weather conditions.
“Even if the weather forecast says it is fine, rain can still happen suddenly in the jungle,” he said, adding that bringing a raincoat is advisable.
Another seasoned hiker, 82-year-old Nisha Mohd Ibrahim, said safety must always come first regardless of hiking experience.
“It should be your number one priority,” said Nisha, who hikes three to four times a week with the Hash House Harriers and other groups.
She said hikers should avoid hiking alone on unfamiliar or remote trails and should always inform family members of their whereabouts.
Nisha said beginners should start with shorter and easier trails before attempting tougher routes.
“You must know your body and your physical condition,” she said, recalling an incident several years ago in which a fellow hiker collapsed and died while hiking, despite attempts to revive him.
Nisha advised hikers to stay on marked trails and avoid separating from their groups.
“Don’t try to be smart and go off trail because you can get lost easily,” she said.
Nisha also reminded hikers not to leave slower group members behind and to ensure everyone exits the trail safely together.
“Stick to your group and never assume someone else will take care of the person behind,” she added.
The advice from these seasoned hikers comes in the wake of a recent incident in which a 41-year-old man from Kelantan died at the summit of Bukit Gunong in Kelantan after suffering a suspected heart attack.
Last year, a 34-year-old hiker from Kedah was found dead at Gunung Liang Barat in Perak after reportedly suffering hypothermia during a hiking expedition.
In another case in 2024, a 32-year-old hiker died after experiencing breathing difficulties while climbing Bukit Galing in Kuantan.
