KUALA LUMPUR: Individuals underestimating mountains for social media popularity is a main factor in the rising number of missing hiker cases.
Mountain Medicine Society of Malaysia president Muhamad Aliff Abdullah said safety awareness has not grown in tandem with the rising popularity of outdoor activities.
He noted that while more people are taking up hiking, many fail to understand the risks involved.
The abundance of aesthetic content on digital platforms has given rise to a trend of "express hikers", he said.
These individuals are often obsessed with chasing peaks or ticking off mountains for fear of missing out (FOMO).
"Many people see hiking as a low-risk activity, while the mountain environment can change very quickly and unpredictably," Muhamad Aliff said.
He added that problems arise when social media hides the reality of the challenge and only shows the beautiful end result.
As a result, many tackle challenging trails without basic experience, proper physical training or an honest assessment of their abilities.
This can lead to a reduced ability to make rational decisions due to extreme fatigue, hypothermia or acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Muhamad Aliff, an expert in wilderness medicine, explained that emergencies in the forest are usually the result of a chain of weaknesses.
These include equipment preparation, fitness levels, terrain and the mental assessment of hikers.
Common critical mistakes include failing to maintain team discipline and refusing to turn back during bad weather.
Relying too heavily on gadgets without basic navigation and survival skills is another significant risk factor.
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Muhamad Aliff, who is also the Seven Continents Exploration Club of Malaysia (KE7B) president, also addressed beliefs surrounding mystical elements or forest taboos.
He said while traditional customs should be respected, modern science must remain the priority.
"Scientifically, what is often seen as 'mystical disturbances' is usually caused by dehydration, panic, lack of sleep or reduced oxygen to the brain," he said.
He noted this could also be a sign of high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE).
Muhamad Aliff suggested that hiking safety management be reformed through a modern and structured risk management system.
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He proposed a standard mountain risk-rating classification system and mandatory digital registration including QR codes, live tracking or emergency beacons.
He also called for stricter action against those hiking without a permit and efforts to strengthen rescue expertise.
"Mountains cannot be challenged with ego," he said.
The best reform lies in building a more mature safety culture within the outdoor recreation community.
Norimah Abd Karim of Persatuan Malim Gunung Perhutanan (MGP) Selangor said SOP violations remain the biggest challenge for mountain guides.
These include ignoring team discipline and refusing to use the "buddy" system in the rush to reach the summit first.
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With over 10 years of experience, she warned that it is risky for hikers to carry minimal gear just to appear like professional trail runners on social media.
"There are hikers who focus more on getting interesting content that they are willing to take risks and neglect their own safety," she said.
She noted a trend where hikers go on 'Trans' trips covering several peaks without enough preparation.
To minimise risks, she supports making MGP services mandatory for hiking activities above 500m.
Forest and hiking safety issues have returned to the spotlight following a series of tragedies.
These include the case of Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who went missing at Gunung Batu Putih in Tapah last Saturday (May 23).
Search and rescue (SAR) efforts for her are still ongoing.
Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, 19, went missing on May 23 while descending Bukit Changkat Asa in Hulu Bernam, Selangor.
Her body was recovered four days later by search teams.
In October 2025, Mustaqqeem Mansoor, 34, died from hypothermia during an expedition at Gunung Liang Barat in Perak.
These fatal incidents add to the case of Mohammad Ashraf Hassan, 29, who went missing during the Gopeng Ultra Trail event in March 2019.
His disappearance remains an unresolved mystery. - Bernama
