Malaysia is introducing stricter hiking regulations after a surge in search and rescue operations linked to risky outdoor trends fuelled by social media.
According to CNN, the country’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) will require hikers to use certified guides at 189 high-risk hiking locations. Authorities are also introducing mandatory pre-climb screening procedures aimed at improving safety and reducing preventable emergencies.
The new requirements include health declarations, medical history checks and proof of insurance before hikers are allowed to tackle certain trails.
Officials say the measures are intended to reduce the number of incidents involving hikers who attempt challenging routes without adequate preparation or venture onto unauthorised trails.
Social Media Trends Raise Safety Concerns
Authorities have also raised concerns about the growing popularity of “compressed hikes”—routes completed in a fraction of the usual time—as well as so-called “express hikers” who race to summit mountains for social media content.
Experts warn that these fast-paced hikes leave little room for mistakes and often encourage participants to carry minimal equipment, increasing the risk of injury, exhaustion or getting lost.
Mountain guides have urged hikers to prioritise proper planning, physical fitness and safety over online popularity.
Popular Hiking Destination
Malaysia is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most famous hiking destinations, including Mount Kinabalu in Borneo and Mount Tahan, the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia. The country’s vast tropical forests attract thousands of local and international hikers each year but can present significant challenges due to dense vegetation, high humidity and rapidly changing weather conditions.
The government hopes the new regulations will reduce costly rescue operations while encouraging safer hiking practices across the country.
Main Image: Gateway Magazine
