Selangor Forestry Department has implemented visitor quotas at 43 recreational and hiking sites in the state’s forest reserves. — Filepic
SINCE Sept 1, there has been a cap on daily visitors allowed at 43 recreational and hiking sites in Selangor’s permanent forest reserves.
The Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS) said the limitation on the maximum number of daily visitors was to reduce environmental strain on these sites.
JPNS director Azhar Ahmad told StarMetro that the measure was being implemented to protect the state’s forests.
“High visitor numbers can damage features that reserves and protected areas were established to preserve,” he said.
“Limiting the number of visitors will also reduce the potential impact of large crowds in these areas.
“It is also to avoid incidents due to overcrowding,” he said, adding that there had been many cases of people getting lost or involved in accidents in forested areas.
Azhar said that the number of people allowed in depended on the capacity of the forest reserve area.
The number ranges from 150 to 300 visitors per day. (See graphic)
The visitor quotas could be adjusted, based on findings from ongoing research, he further said.
Azhar says visitor quotas can be adjusted accordingly.
Several of the locations also require engaging the service of a mountain guide (malim gunung perhutanan) for climbing activities.
A regular hiker to Bukit Saga/Bukit Apek in Cheras, Raj Kumar said it was a good idea to have a cap on visitors.
He said this would ensure the places did not get too crowded, which could affect the integrity of the natural environment.
“However, I wonder how the authorities are planning to enforce this.
“There are multiple entry points to the hiking trails and there are typically no forestry officers stationed there.”
Raj, who has been hiking the hills for 15 years, added that the 200-visitor cap seemed reasonable.
Bukit Ketumbar hiker Janet Lim felt that the visitor limit was only needed during weekends and public holidays.
“On weekdays, there are few hikers.
“It is a good idea to have some kind of control to ensure the sustainability of the area,” she said.
On enforcement of the visitor quotas, Azhar said this was being done through the issuance of permits.
“Each person who enters the forest reserve area is required to have an entry permit from the nearest forest district office.
“At eco-parks, we have staff on duty who will control the numbers.
“Once we initiate the online permit application process, those who apply beyond the permitted limit will be automatically rejected.”
Azhar said the online application system was still being developed.
Anyone caught entering a permanent forest reserve without a permit could face legal action under the National Forestry Act 1984, which carries a fine of up to RM10,000 or up to three years imprisonment.
