IPOH, 26 Jan 2018:
Hikers in forest reserve areas will have to apply for permit from the state Forestry Department or face fine or jail term for violating the regulation.
Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department deputy director-general (Policy and Planning) Datuk Roslan Ariffin said this is because entering forest reserve areas without permit was an offence under Section 47 of the National Forestry Act 1984 which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 or a maximum of three years in jail if found guilty.
‘Most of the mountain climbing areas in Peninsular Malaysia are closed forestry reserve which needed permit to enter the forest.
“If any untoward incident occurs, the Forestry Department could provide the emergency assistance while the insurance company could compensate climbers.”
He said individuals who wished to climb in forest reserve areas would have to pay between RM10 to RM30 as well as comply with the conditions of the respective state Forestry Departments.
– Bernama