PETALING JAYA: With every state expecting heavy rains and turbulent winds for the rest of this week, rescue officials and safety experts are calling on all hikers to take the necessary precautions before and during a hike.
Malaysia International Search and Rescue (Misar) chairman K. Balasupramaniam advised hikers to stay safe when trekking near bodies of water.
“Even if there is no rain on your route, heavy rain in nearby rivers or waterfalls may cause them to overflow into the surrounding areas, surprising you.
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“If you camp near a water source, you can use the fungus markings on nearby trees as an indicator of how high the water level can reach during a heavy rain.
“You can use this to determine if an area is dangerous or safe to camp in.
Take precautions: Hikers and campers have been advised to check the grounds for signs of possible landslides or floods.
“You should also avoid any pristine-looking spots near water sources to set up camp, as this usually means the spot is a water runway that is regularly cleared when water levels rise,” he said.
When setting up camp, Balasupramaniam also advised hikers to note key signs that could indicate a possible landslide.
“Other than the usual soft sand or soil, hikers should also note any evidence of small soil erosion, especially if the erosion is next to large trees.
“This is a sign that the soil has become soft enough that heavy winds could cause the tree to sway enough to dislodge the remaining soil to create a mudslide.
“If you are staying inside a building, difficulty in opening and closing the doors or gates is also a sign that soil erosion has occurred and is no longer a safe place to stay in,” he added.
A registered member of the Malim Gunung Perhutanan (MGP), who only wanted to be known as Cik Nurashila, reminded hikers to always get local certified mountain guides (malim gunung) when going hiking.
“We always bring the necessary equipment needed to match the hiking route requested to ensure a smooth hike.
“We also have the necessary training and experience needed to discern if it is safe to continue hiking when it rains or to stop and turn back if it’s deemed too dangerous,” she said.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad reminded the public of the dangers of hiking during wet weather.
“Hikers should also invest in high-quality waterproof gear or quick-dry clothing gear to keep their belongings dry, as wet clothes can lead to potential hypothermia.
“The force of water can also erode trails, making them unstable or creating unexpected drop-offs, which is why hikers must be cautious of their footing even when keeping to marked trails.
“The trails can also become obscured or washed out during the wet season, leaving it easy for hikers to get disoriented, especially with reduced visibility due to rain, which is why a GPS device or detailed maps is necessary,” he said.
Nor Hisham also advised hikers to always set up camp in high ground areas and dig small trenches around tents to divert rainwater away in case of a flood.
“We are also prepared and equipped to respond to emergencies involving hikers, but preventative measures taken by hikers are key to making rescues more efficient if the need arises,” he added.
This comes after the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) warned, in a post on its official Facebook page yesterday, of heavy rainfall for all states.
