Perak state government considers stricter hiking and forest-entry SOPs to improve visitor safety following recent incidents and a missing hiker case.
TAIPING: The Perak state government will review and consider tightening standard operating procedures (SOPs) for hiking and forest-entry activities in the state to enhance visitor safety.
State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said stricter measures could be introduced if deemed necessary following a review of the effectiveness of existing SOPs.
He said the current SOPs were generally adequate, but their effectiveness depended largely on compliance and cooperation from all parties, particularly hikers.
“The SOPs are in place to safeguard hikers and ensure their safety, not because of the registration fees imposed. Through registration, authorities are able to keep records of hikers, including when they entered the forest and how many people are in the area.
“I hope that following the recent incidents, the public will better appreciate the importance of these SOPs and cooperate fully to ensure their own safety,” he told reporters after officiating the Toyo Tires Charity Run 2026 at Taiping Lake Gardens here today.
Teh said hiking and forest activities inherently carry risks, making it essential for individuals to take responsibility for their own safety by adhering to established regulations.
He said the state government would also examine any weaknesses in the current SOPs and did not rule out introducing stricter requirements in the future.
“If there is a genuine need, we will tighten the SOPs further. For example, if weather conditions are unfavourable, we will not allow hikers to enter forest areas. However, this requires cooperation from everyone,” he said.
His remarks come amid the ongoing search for Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who has been missing for more than a week on Gunung Batu Putih near Tapah while participating in the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition with 13 other hikers and two Forestry Department mountain guides.
The incident follows the recent death of 19-year-old Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, who lost her way while descending Bukit Asa in Hulu Selangor and was found dead after a four-day search and rescue operation.
Meanwhile, on the event, Toyo Tyre Malaysia (TTM) Sdn Bhd president and managing director Mike Toh said 1,833 participants, comprising corporate partners, volunteers and community members, took part in the charity run.
He said the event reflected growing support for meaningful corporate social responsibility and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives in Taiping.
“As a responsible corporate citizen and a long-standing member of the Taiping community, TTM remains committed to creating sustainable value for society while promoting healthy lifestyles and stronger community engagement.
“This year, Toyo Tyre Malaysia fully sponsored the programme with an investment of RM170,000, including RM50,000 in contributions to selected charitable organisations. To show our appreciation for the overwhelming support from participants, lucky draw prizes worth RM20,000 were also offered,” he said in his speech.
The Sun Malaysia
