IPOH: The Perak forestry department has imposed an immediate ban day hikes and compressed hiking activities on several high-risk mountain routes across the state.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the department said the decision was made following a risk assessment of the affected routes and terrain conditions, with climber safety being the primary consideration.
The ban comes as rescue efforts continue for missing hiker Jaslinda Saludin who was last seen on May 24 while on the Trans Spencer Chapmain trail across the Batu Putih mountain in Tapah, Perak.
Among the routes affected is the Mount Korga trail via the Korbu-Gayong mountain route, which now requires a minimum climbing period of three days. The Trans Spencer Chapman route, which passes through the Bar Gading, Kak and Batu Putih mountains, must be completed over a minimum period of five days.
Other routes subject to the restriction include the Trans Jerging route (Suku–Irau), Trans Batu (Batu Putih– Batu Bujang–Kak– Batu Dara) and Trans Slim (Liang East/West–Chondong Geliting–Tumang Batak), all of which require a minimum climbing period of three days.
The Trans Titiwangsa V1 route, which includes the Korbu, Gayong and Yong Belar mountains, must be completed over at least five days.
A minimum climbing duration of four days is required for the Trans Beratih route, involving Bukit Berapit, and the Rayu and Batu Putih mountains.
Failure to comply with the directive could result in the immediate suspension and blacklisting of the forestry mountain guide identification of those involved for a period of six months or longer, depending on the circumstances.
The department said information and updates regarding hiking regulations and route requirements would be available at its website https://www.perakforestry.gov.my.
