Ipoh: Hiking activities at Gunung Batu Putih have been temporarily suspended with immediate effect. Perak State Forestry director Datuk Mohd Basri Abdul Manaf confirmed the matter, stating that climbing activities would be halted for a period ranging from three to six months.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Mohd Basri highlighted the need to assess the safety levels in the area and carry out rehabilitation efforts. This decision was announced during the 2026 state-level International Day of Forests celebration, officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. The event was attended by notable figures, including State Science, Environment, and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim, as well as Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia director-general Datuk Zahari Ibrahim.
Additionally, Mohd Basri mentioned that his team will scrutinize the standard operating procedures for hiking activities, particularly the cut-off times for forest hikes in the state. This is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and sustainability of hiking activities in the region.
During the same press conference, Chief Minister Saarani emphasized the importance of involving the Orang Asli community in hiking activities and search and rescue (SAR) operations for missing persons in forest areas. He stressed that the Orang Asli community has an in-depth understanding of the forest's conditions and should be engaged in such activities due to their extensive knowledge of the region.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that the forest area is not only monitored by the Forestry Department but is also home to the Orang Asli community. He advocated for the inclusion of Orang Asli leaders, particularly the Tok Batin, in hiking activities and SAR operations to leverage their expertise.
The decision to suspend hiking activities follows an incident involving a female hiker, Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who embarked on the Trans Spencer Chapman trek on May 23 along with 13 others and two Forestry Mountain Guides. Jaslinda and another climber, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, faced health issues during the climb. However, Jaslinda was reported to have continued her journey to the mountain peak and was last seen on May 24.