Fire Department Reviews Hiking Safety SOPs Following Rise in Missing Hiker Incidents
MARANG: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is reviewing existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety regulations governing mountain climbing and other extreme outdoor activities following a series of missing hiker incidents that have raised public concern.
JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the review is intended to strengthen preventive measures and improve safety management at popular hiking destinations throughout the country.
According to him, outdoor recreation and hiking activities have experienced significant growth in recent years as more Malaysians embrace active and nature-based lifestyles. While the trend is positive, it has also increased the need for stronger safety mechanisms and more effective monitoring systems.
“We welcome the growing interest in outdoor recreational activities because they promote healthy living. However, the increase in participation also requires a stronger focus on safety and risk management,” he said after officiating the closing ceremony of the 2026 Fire and Rescue Skills Parade and Competition at the Fire and Rescue Academy’s Eastern Region campus in Wakaf Tapai.
Nor Hisham said the department is currently examining various aspects of hiking safety, including registration procedures, trail monitoring systems and the adequacy of route markings at forest and mountain locations.
He noted that JBPM would engage with several relevant agencies, including the Forestry Department and state park management authorities, which have jurisdiction over many of the country’s hiking destinations.
The discussions are expected to focus on identifying areas where regulations can be strengthened and enforcement mechanisms improved to minimise the risk of hikers becoming lost.
“We do not directly manage these locations, which is why cooperation with the responsible authorities is essential. Together, we will assess what improvements can be introduced to enhance safety standards,” he said.
The review comes in the wake of several high-profile search and rescue operations, including the recent case involving Jaslinda Saludin, who went missing while hiking at Gunung Batu Putih in Ipoh.
The incident attracted nationwide attention after the woman survived for 14 days in the wilderness before eventually being found safe near the Lubuk Gaharu Orang Asli settlement.
Her ordeal reignited discussions about hiking preparedness, emergency response procedures and the effectiveness of current safety measures at recreational sites.
Responding to criticism from some quarters regarding the cost of search and rescue operations, Nor Hisham stressed that saving lives remains the department’s primary responsibility.
He said rescue teams always operate under the assumption that a missing individual is still alive and requires immediate assistance, making rapid deployment essential during the early stages of an operation.
“Cost considerations are important, but the safety and survival of the victim remain our highest priorities. At the same time, we ensure that resources are used responsibly and efficiently throughout every operation,” he said.
He added that search and rescue missions are carefully planned to balance operational effectiveness with the safety of rescue personnel working in often challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Fire and Rescue Skills Parade and Competition attracted 287 participants from across Malaysia who competed in 10 different events designed to test professional rescue and emergency response capabilities.
The Kuala Lumpur contingent emerged as the overall champion, securing RM20,000 in prize money and the championship trophy.
JBPM hopes that any improvements introduced following the review will help create a safer environment for outdoor enthusiasts while reducing the frequency of missing hiker incidents that require large-scale emergency operations.
As interest in hiking continues to grow nationwide, authorities believe stronger safety standards, better public awareness and enhanced coordination among agencies will be key to ensuring that outdoor recreation remains both enjoyable and safe for all participants.
