IPOH: Hill hiking and trekking safety procedures need to be enhanced to reduce untoward incidents, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said there are existing standard operating procedures and regulations, but these need to be reviewed following a spate of hiking-related incidents.
“We actually have such regulations, but they need to be refined,” he said after opening the state-level International Day of Forests celebration at the State Secretariat here yesterday when commenting on outdoor activities in the wake of a hiker, Jaslinda Saludin, who went missing following a hike to Gunung Batu Putih near Tapah almost two weeks ago.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon recently called for the Forestry Department to strictly regulate and limit hiking timeframes, and not allow “compressed hikes” (hiking for very long hours in a day to hit certain objectives).
Saarani said the Orang Asli community near hiking trails also need to be informed of any of such activities near their settlements.
He said the community had often complained about not being told when hikers entered the forests where they live, but are only roped in when there is an incident or rescue effort needed. He also said the Orang Asli need to be involved in search and rescue operations earlier, rather than days after an incident.
“It is their area, so they know the ins and outs of the forest better.
“In the Royal Belum State Park or Amanjaya Forest Reserve, members of the local Orang Asli community are involved as rangers,” he said, adding that there are also Orang Asli mountain guides in some areas.
Meanwhile, Saarani’s special officer for Orang Asli Affairs, Chew Ho Beng, said Orang Asli volunteers who assisted in search and rescue operations should be issued mountain guide licences on account of their familiarity with the terrain.
“The Orang Asli community’s greatest advantage lies in their deep understanding of the forest environment, including trails and natural signs that are often difficult for outsiders to identify.
“It’s not our intention to belittle anyone, but with the unique advantages they possess, they can help hikers and reduce the risk of people getting lost or going missing during hiking activities,” he told Bernama here yesterday.
He added that the opportunity would also provide them with a more stable source of income and recognise their expertise.
“The recognition given to the Senoi Praaq, for example, highlighted their exceptional skills in navigating the forest,” he said.
On Wednesday, 22 Orang Asli volunteers from the Semai tribe began their journey to Kem Sukaneka and Gunung Rayu to search for Jaslinda.
