PERAK CONDUCTS CARRYING CAPACITY STUDY TO ENHANCE SAFETY IN HIKING AREAS - MB

IPOH, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The Perak State Forestry Department (JPNPk) is conducting a Carrying Capacity Study on Popular Hiking Areas in the state using Ecological Fiscal Transfer funds as an additional measure to safeguard trekkers in forest areas.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said two studies have been completed in the Kinta/Manjung and Perak Selatan Forest Districts, two are being carried out in the Hulu Perak and Kuala Kangsar Forest Districts, while another study is scheduled for 2026 in the Larut and Matang Forest District.

“The findings of this study will help the state government determine the number of hikers allowed at any one time, ensuring that hiking activities are conducted in a controlled, safe and sustainable manner,” he said during the question-and-answer session at the state assembly sitting here today.

He was replying to M. Thulsi (PH-Buntong), who asked about additional safety measures taken by the state following the death of a hiker at Gunung Liang on Oct 17.

Saarani said that as a long-term measure, JPNPk also plans to conduct an Accident and Disaster Risk Study at hiking locations to identify high-risk areas and strengthen preventive actions.

At the same time, the department is studying the use of real-time monitoring and assessment systems at high-risk areas to improve response in the event of incidents, he added.

He said JPNPk has identified 55 hiking locations within Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK), and under Section 47(1)(c), all hiking activities in HSK areas require an entry permit, which can be applied for online to enable systematic monitoring of hiker numbers.

“For hiking activities at elevations exceeding 500 metres, the state government, through JPNPk, has made it mandatory for such activities to be accompanied by a certified Forestry Mountain Guide (MGP), in addition to complying with hiking standard operating procedures (SOP), which took effect on June 1, 2023.

“To date, 376 MGPs have been trained in collaboration with the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, and 320 of them remain active as official guides,” he said.

To further strengthen safety and control, Saarani said JPNPk has drafted the Perak HSK Hiking SOP in collaboration with agencies including the Fire and Rescue Department, Royal Malaysia Police, Minerals and Geoscience Department, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Malaysian Meteorological Department and the Perak Mountain Guides Association.

“This SOP serves as the main reference for risk management, safety, emergency response and the responsibilities of all parties involved, including the forestry authorities, area administrators, mountain guides and hikers,” he added.

-- BERNAMA