Malaysia has seen a rising number of incidents involving missing, injured, or deceased hikers across the country, raising safety concerns among outdoor enthusiasts and authorities alike [1, 2]. The Alliance for a Safe Community, led by chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, has called for a comprehensive review of hiking and hill-climbing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to address these growing risks [1, 2].
On May 29, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye publicly urged relevant authorities to undertake a thorough assessment of existing SOPs, proposing mandatory registration for all hikers before entering designated trails, forests, hills, and mountains [2]. He stressed, "While outdoor recreation is a healthy and beneficial activity that should be encouraged, safety must always remain the highest priority" [1]. The Alliance emphasizes that safety measures should improve protection without discouraging hiking participation [1, 2].
Proposed safety enhancements include improved digital check-in and check-out systems, stricter licensing and regulation of hiking guides, periodic safety audits of trails, increased signage, and the installation of emergency location points along routes [1, 2]. Additionally, the Alliance calls for expanded use of technology such as GPS tracking apps, emergency beacons, drones, and geolocation systems to assist rescue teams during emergencies [1, 2].
Chairman Lee also highlighted the critical importance of public education on hiking safety. He recommended hikers avoid solo trips, always check weather forecasts, carry sufficient supplies, keep family or friends informed of their plans, and bring emergency communication devices during hikes [1, 2]. Many incidents occur due to hikers underestimating trail difficulty, ignoring warnings, inadequate preparation, or venturing into unfamiliar areas without a guide [1, 2].
Search and rescue operations often demand significant manpower and coordination across multiple agencies and volunteer groups and may last several days [1]. To better understand hiking risks and support evidence-based policy, the Alliance proposes developing a national database on hiking-related incidents [1, 2].
The calls from the Alliance aim to prompt swift action to enhance safety measures before further tragic incidents occur. The next concrete step will be for authorities to review the existing SOPs in line with these recommendations and consider implementation timelines.
