Perak: The Perak Forestry Department (JPNP) has announced an immediate ban on day hikes and compressed hiking activities on several high-risk mountain routes throughout the state. This decision follows a comprehensive risk assessment focusing on climber safety and the conditions of the terrain.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the affected routes include the Mount Korga trail via the Mount Korbu-Mount Gayong route, which now requires a minimum climbing period of three days. Similarly, the Trans Spencer Chapman route, passing through Mount Bar Gading, Mount Kak, and Mount Batu Putih, must be completed in at least five days. Other restricted routes are the Trans Jerging route (Mount Suku-Mount Irau), Trans Batu (Mount Batu Putih-Mount Batu Bujang-Mount Kak-Mount Batu Dara), and Trans Slim (Mount Liang East/West-Mount Chondong Geliting-Mount Tumang Batak), all requiring a minimum climbing period of three days.

According to JPNP, the Trans Titiwangsa V1 route, including Mount Korbu, Mount Gayong, and Mount Yong Belar, now necessitates a minimum of five days to complete. For the Trans Beratih route, involving Bukit Berapit, Mount Rayu, and Mount Batu Putih, climbers are required to spend at least four days.

The statement highlighted that any changes to the listed routes would be updated periodically based on the department's assessment. JPNP also warned that non-compliance with the directive could lead to the immediate suspension and potentially long-term blacklisting of the Forestry Mountain Guide (MGP) identification for those involved, lasting six months or more, depending on the circumstances.

The department has advised the public to visit its official portal at https://www.perakforestry.gov.my for the latest updates on hiking regulations and route requirements.