Mountain Guide Fees Must Stay Within Set Limits – Negeri Sembilan Forestry Dept

SEREMBAN, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan Forestry Department (JPNS) has reminded mountain guides, known as Malim Gunung Perhutanan (MGP), to adhere to regulated ceiling prices and avoid charging arbitrary service fees.

JPNS director Hamidi Abd Halim said the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has developed a pricing framework to guide fair fee-setting based on criteria such as trail length, difficulty, risk level, emergency preparedness and accessibility.

“The ceiling price represents the maximum fee for each hiking area. MGPs should compete by offering lower rates to attract hikers,” he told Bernama.

Permits are mandatory for hikers in areas where MGP services are required and must be obtained through the guides with approval from JPNS. Unauthorised entry into forest reserves without a valid permit will result in enforcement under the National Forestry Act 1984.

Effective Oct 1, MGP services will be compulsory for locals hiking the Gunung Besar Hantu and Trans Naning trails. Foreign hikers will be required to use MGPs on all trails within Negeri Sembilan’s Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK).

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun recently announced that 77 MGPs have been registered this year, enabling closer cooperation in trail management.

Hamidi highlighted the crucial role of MGPs in ensuring hiker safety and environmental conservation. They provide pre-hike briefings, serve as guides, help prevent disorientation and respond to emergencies such as injuries or sudden weather changes.

He added that MGPs also enforce forestry regulations and educate hikers on forest preservation and eco-friendly practices. They are responsible for reporting environmental damage or suspicious activity to the authorities.

“This initiative helps maintain hiking areas as safe, well-managed and sustainable destinations,” Hamidi said.

JPNS will continue monitoring the programme's effectiveness and currently has no plans to expand mandatory MGP use to other mountains or trails.

-- BERNAMA