IPOH, May 31: Preparation, discipline, and composure are the three pillars of safe hiking, says Perak Forestry mountain guide Muzafar Mohamad, who has seen how small oversights can turn a day’s adventure into a rescue operation.
He noted that many hikers underestimate the difficulty of trails, neglect proper planning, or fail to carry basic emergency gear. “Simple items like a whistle, torchlight, first-aid kit, GPS tracker, and extra food should never be treated as optional,” he said. “A whistle, for instance, can be a lifesaver when exhaustion sets in and shouting for help is no longer possible.”
A whistle, for example, is extremely important because it helps rescue teams locate victims, especially when visibility is limited, he stressed. “In many situations, exhausted hikers may no longer be able to shout for help, and at that point, a whistle can be a lifesaver,” he told Bernama
Muzafar reminded that even seasoned hikers are not immune to danger. Each mountain, he said, has its own temperament — shaped by terrain, weather, and altitude.
“In Malaysia, most hiking routes require a licensed guide to ensure safety compliance, except in certain areas where it’s not mandatory,” he explained.
He also cautioned against the growing trend of ‘compressed hikes’, where climbers attempt to complete routes in a fraction of the usual time. “When hiking time is shortened, the margin for error shrinks. That’s why physical readiness, logistics, and risk management must be planned in greater detail,” he said.
Communication remains the biggest obstacle during search and rescue (SAR) operations, Muzafar added, as most mountain areas lack reliable network coverage. “This makes it hard for victims to call for help and for rescuers to coordinate movements. Vast search zones and sudden weather changes only add to the challenge.”
When asked about survival for those lost in the forest, Muzafar stressed the importance of staying calm. “Panic clouds judgment. Calm hikers think clearly and make safer decisions,” he said.
Water, he added, is the most critical resource. “Humans can survive longer without food than without water — but not all natural sources are safe. Carry filters or purification tablets,” he advised. Lost hikers should also conserve energy and avoid straying too far from their last known location to ease rescue efforts.
Commenting on the ongoing search for Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who went missing on Gunung Batu Putih near Tapah, Muzafar said teams have combed more than 40 map squares along the main route. “She may be outside the searched zones, but we remain hopeful she’ll find her way to a settlement soon,” he said.
— BERNAMA