Preparation, Discipline Vital For Safe Hiking, Says Guide

IPOH, May 31 (Bernama) -- Thorough preparation, discipline and the ability to remain calm are among the most important factors that hikers should pay attention to in order to avoid getting lost or facing emergencies in mountainous areas, according to a mountain guide.

Perak Forestry Mountain Guide Muzafar Mohamad said among the most common mistakes made by hikers are underestimating the difficulty of a trail, failing to plan their journey properly and not carrying basic emergency equipment.

He said items such as a whistle, torchlight, first-aid kit, GPS tracker and extra food supplies should be considered essential equipment for every hiker, rather than optional items.

“A whistle, for example, is extremely important because it helps rescue teams locate victims, especially when visibility is limited.

“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 when contacted today.

Muzafar said that even years of hiking experience do not guarantee that a person can handle every situation, as each mountain presents its own challenges in terms of terrain, weather conditions and level of difficulty.

He said most hiking activities in Malaysia also require the services of a mountain guide to ensure safety requirements are observed, except in certain areas where such services are not mandatory.

“For example, the compressed or short-duration hiking trend that is becoming increasingly popular requires much more meticulous planning because the travel period is shortened to about one-third of the original schedule.

“When hiking time is reduced, the margin for error also becomes smaller. That is why logistical planning, physical fitness and risk management need to be carried out in greater detail,” he said.

Regarding search and rescue (SAR) operations in mountainous areas, he said the main challenge is communication constraints, as most hiking locations do not have comprehensive telecommunications coverage.

Muzafar said the situation not only makes it difficult for victims to seek help, but also poses challenges for SAR teams in coordinating movements and search strategies on the ground.

“Besides communication issues, the vast search area and unpredictable weather changes are among the biggest challenges in rescue operations,” he said.

On the question of survival for someone lost in the forest, he said the most important factor is the victim’s ability to remain calm and avoid acting hastily.

“Calm persons have a better chance of survival, even with less experience, because they are able to think clearly.

“When a person panics, they tend to make decisions that increase safety risks. That is why hikers must remain calm,” he said.

Muzafar said water is the most critical requirement in an emergency situation because humans can survive for only a short period without water compared to food.

“However, it should be remembered that not all water sources in the forest are safe to drink. Hikers are encouraged to carry water filters or water purification tablets to ensure that water obtained from natural sources is safe for consumption.

“In addition, lost hikers are advised to reduce excessive physical activity to avoid dehydration and not move too far from their original location, as doing so could complicate search efforts,” he said.

Commenting on the search operation for Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who went missing on Gunung Batu Putih near Tapah, which entered its seventh day today, he said SAR teams had searched all key areas along the commercial hiking route, covering more than 40 map squares.

“So far, the victim has yet to be found. It is not impossible that she is outside the areas that have been searched, but we hope she will reach a human settlement in the near future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA