Obtain permit before embarking on jungle activities: Secretariat

TAPAH: Individuals who wish to go hiking, especially in the forest area, are required to obtain permit from the Forestry Department to avoid any untoward incident, said Malaysian Climbers Jamboree Programme Secretariat representative A. Halim Ngah Ismail.
He said the permit was necessary, apart from them having basic knowledge of hiking.
"Many new climbers are not aware of the need for them to apply for the permit, which is in fact for their own safety, but many consider the matter as trivial.
"This is when applying for the permit, we will be required to furnish all personal information to the police, and also the number of people entering the forest area on the date concerned," he told Bernama at the programme in Kuala Woh Gorest Eco Park here today.
The three-day programme, which began yesterday and involved 115 participants, was co-organised by Persatuan Kebajikan Usahawan Gerbang Malam.
A. Halim, also known as Ayien Carlos among national climbers, said that those who failed to produce the permit could be investigated under Section 47 of the National Forestry Act 1984 (Amendment 1993) for entering the forest reserve without authorisation.
They could face a fine of not more than RM10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both, he said.
A. Halim said the application should be made at the respective Forestry Offices at least two weeks in advance.
"If all the conditions are met, the permit would be issued with a charge of between RM5 and RM10 per person," he said.
A. Halim said hikers were also required to comply with conditions set by the Forestry Department, included to engage the service of "Malim Gunung" (mountain guides).
On the program, he said it was aimed at providing basic knowledge for climbers, especially those who were new to the activity, on how to apply for the permit as well as on safety measures.
"In addition, the jamboree also provides opportunities for the climbers to forge closer ties and exchange ideas," A. Halim said. — Bernama