Malaysia recorded 1,059 hiking accidents and 63 deaths since 2021, prompting stronger safety measures, certified guides and risk controls.
PETALING JAYA: A total of 1,059 hiking and forest recreation-related accidents were recorded nationwide between 2021 and 2025, resulting in 63 deaths and 87 injuries, according to the Fire and Rescue Department.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the figures highlight the need to strengthen safety measures and risk management at recreational forests and hiking sites across the country.
He said the ministry, through the Forestry Department (JPSM) and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), prioritises safety in all forest recreation and hiking activities.
“To ensure recreational activities in Permanent Reserved Forests (PRFs) are managed systematically, JPSM, with financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has developed the National Mountain Risk Assessment and Management Guidelines (MOGRAM),” he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
The guidelines serve as a technical reference for risk mitigation and management of hiking trail carrying capacity.
Syed Ibrahim said JPSM has also made it mandatory to engage Forestry Mountain Guides (MGPs) at 189 high-risk hiking locations nationwide.
He said these certified guides play an important role in ensuring hiker safety, providing emergency response support and promoting adherence to proper hiking practices.
“To date, 2,322 individuals from local communities, including the Orang Asli community, have been certified as MGPs through various skills development programmes,” he said.
He added that protected areas under Perhilitan have adopted the ISO 21101 Safety Management System standard for adventure tourism activities.
The standard strengthens risk management, staff competency, emergency response procedures and equipment maintenance requirements.
Syed Ibrahim said additional safety measures include standard operating procedures, mandatory registration and entry permits at national park offices, carrying-capacity controls, compulsory safety briefings and health declarations for hikers.
He said hikers must also undergo health screenings to ensure they are fit for the difficulty level of the trails they intend to undertake.
Other measures include mandatory use of certified nature guides, public awareness programmes for tourism operators, and temporary trail closures during the Northeast Monsoon season or periods of heavy rainfall.
“These commitments are further strengthened through collaboration with the police, Fire and Rescue Department, Standards Department, Tourism Ministry and industry players to build shared responsibility,” he said.
He added that the goal is to ensure Malaysia’s hiking ecosystem remains safe and sustainable.
