IPOH, June 6: In the jungle, panic is your worst enemy. It clouds judgment, drains energy, and often drives hikers deeper into danger.
Former survival trainer Abdul Hamid Awang Ahmad, 62, knows this all too well. With over three decades of experience teaching survival skills to the General Operations Force, he says the first rule when you realise you’re lost is simple: don’t panic.
“Running blindly or rushing to escape only makes things worse. Many people go missing because they keep moving without a plan,” he explained to Bernama at his home in Taman Berjaya Baru here.
Instead, he advises hikers to stop, breathe, and think. If movement is unavoidable, mark your trail — scratch tree trunks, tie bright cloth to branches, or leave notes. “These small signs could be the lifeline rescuers need to track you down,” he said.
Survival Basics: Shelter, Fire, and Food
Hamid stresses that even seasoned adventurers must respect the forest’s unpredictability. Weather shifts, rough terrain, and human error can quickly turn an outing into an ordeal.
- Shelter before dark: “If you enter late in the day, stop moving. Build a temporary shelter before night falls,” he said. Wandering in darkness raises the risk of encounters with nocturnal predators like tigers and bears.
- Fire is life: A fire offers warmth, keeps animals at bay, and signals rescuers.
- Food with caution: Malaysia’s forests are abundant with fruits and plants, but not all are safe. “Smell first. If it’s foul or suspicious, don’t eat it,” Hamid warned.
Never Walk Alone
Solo expeditions, he cautions, magnify risks. “In a group, someone can call for help. Alone, you may not get that chance.”
Preparation is key: inform family of your route, lodge a police report before entering high-risk areas, and if nearby, alert Orang Asli villagers. “Their knowledge of the forest is invaluable. In emergencies, they can guide search teams faster,” he said.
Respect the Forest
Beyond survival, Hamid urges hikers to treat the jungle with reverence — leave no litter, avoid damaging vegetation, and remember that nature demands discipline.
“The forest is beautiful, but it is unforgiving. With knowledge, preparation, and respect, you increase your chances of walking out safely,” he said.
He said if there is an Orang Asli settlement nearby, hikers should inform the villagers of their presence. “They possess extensive knowledge of the forest and the surrounding terrain. In an emergency, the information they have can provide valuable clues that help speed up search efforts,” he said.
Hamid’s key advice: “We need knowledge, preparation and discipline because while the forest is beautiful to explore, it also demands respect and vigilance. If we enter with the right knowledge, the chances of avoiding misfortune and surviving an emergency are much higher.”
Meanwhile, outdoor activities trainer Mohd Hafiz Nordin said thorough physical and mental preparation, coupled with the right equipment, is essential for a safe hiking experience.
He said aspiring hikers should assess their fitness levels before choosing between a hill or mountain trek, as each demands different levels of endurance, preparation and gear.
Appearing on Bernama TV’s Darah Muda programme last night, Mohd Hafiz said hikers should also observe the internationally recognised Leave No Trace principles and plan their trips carefully by checking weather conditions, setting hiking schedules and determining target times for reaching the summit and descending.
The founder of D’republic Global said essential items include a first aid kit, whistle, emergency blanket, fire-starting tools and a knife or machete that could prove useful in an emergency.
While technologies such as global positioning system (GPS) devices and smartwatches can aid navigation, hikers should not depend on them entirely, he said, urging outdoor enthusiasts to acquire basic navigation and survival skills in case of battery failure or equipment malfunction.
“Those who frequently hike at elevations above 2,000 metres should equip themselves with at least basic navigation and survival skills, which can be crucial when faced with unexpected circumstances,” he said, adding that non-governmental organisations and outdoor activity groups offer such training.
On the buddy system, Mohd Hafiz said hikers should avoid moving alone, follow instructions from group leaders and sweepers, and maintain regular communication with fellow participants.
“Maintaining good communication within the group helps foster the buddy system naturally, as hikers become more aware of the condition and whereabouts of their fellow participants,” he said.
He added that hikers who become exhausted should rest and seek assistance rather than push themselves beyond their limits, stressing that adequate knowledge, proper equipment and careful planning are key to ensuring hiking remains both safe and enjoyable.
— BERNAMA