Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Forestry Mountain Guides Association (PMGP) is developing a dedicated guideline for mountain guides to strengthen hiking safety following several recent incidents involving missing and injured hikers. Its president, Azuan Abdullah, said the guideline would incorporate feedback and information from relevant stakeholders to ensure best practices are adopted by mountain guides and the hiking community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azuan noted that his committee is still reviewing existing reports and guidelines while gathering additional input for the benefit of the hiking community. He expressed hope that the guidelines would be completed soon, incorporating information from every state and relevant department. The guidelines will also consider aspects related to search and rescue (SAR) assistance involving hikers, mountain guides, and insurance companies for the benefit of all parties.
Azuan emphasized the importance of adhering to all directives, information, and decisions issued by District Forest Offices and State Forestry Departments to reduce the risk of untoward incidents. He also addressed a proposal to introduce a digital registration or check-in and check-out system for hikers, highlighting the need for improved communication infrastructure across Permanent Forest Reserve areas to make such a system feasible.
He pointed out the challenges posed by limited communication coverage in many forest areas, suggesting the use of PMR446 walkie-talkies, Citizens Band radios, or amateur radio equipment licensed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as potential solutions. The installation of radio repeaters at identified peaks could also help connect nearby stations and strengthen communication networks during emergencies.
Azuan mentioned the potential role of the Orang Asli community in SAR operations, utilizing their expertise to track footprints and identify areas where missing persons may have traveled. However, he noted that their effectiveness depends on the situation and coordination with rescue teams.
To enhance preparedness and strengthen coordination during actual operations, Azuan proposed regular SAR simulation exercises involving all relevant agencies. He emphasized a comprehensive approach involving compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), improved communication systems, the use of technology, and continuous training as essential to reducing the risk of hikers going missing or being involved in accidents in forest areas.
His comments come amid several recent hiking incidents, including the safe discovery of 49-year-old Jaslinda Saludin near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh, about two weeks after she went missing during the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition on May 23. In a separate incident, Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, 19, who went missing while descending Bukit Changkat Asa in Hulu Bernam, Selangor, on May 23, was found dead three days later. Meanwhile, Mustaqqeem Mansoor, 34, died of hypothermia at Gunung Liang Barat, Perak, in October 2025, while the disappearance of Mohammad Ashraf Hassan, better known as Acap, during the Gopeng Ultra Trail race in 2019 remains unsolved.