Helpful technology: Firefighters from the Bukit Mertajam station guiding hikers on how to scan QR codes using the Check Point Tracker in Cherok To’Kun Forest Reserve. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Time is of the essence when rescuers search for lost hikers, making rapid location crucial for their chances of survival.
Hence, the Bukit Mertajam fire station has developed an innovative solution: the Check Point Tracker, which utilises Google Maps to help hikers navigate the trails in Cherok To’Kun Forest Reserve.
Because smartphones’ global positioning system functions independently of mobile signals, hikers can simply download the area’s map onto their phones and check their location at any time.
The system is free and easy to use – hikers just need to scan QR codes found on signs at the entrance to Cherok To’Kun and along the trails.
If hikers become disoriented, they can rely on the Check Point Tracker to help them find the correct path.
In emergencies, the system allows users to navigate to the nearest checkpoint and share their location with rescuers, facilitating quicker responses from rescue teams.
A total of 20 checkpoints are marked along three trails: a 3.6km cemented trail and two dirt trails, which one passes by a famous “big tree”, all the way to the 545m high peak at the forest reserve.
Bukit Mertajam fire station chief Mass Rafiuddin Mass Ariffin said the Check Point Tracker was developed in collaboration with the Forestry Department.
Between 2020 and 2023, he said 21 cases of lost hikers were reported in Cherok To’Kun Forest Reserve, involving the rescue of 35 hikers, four of whom were injured.
“In 2020, a hiker was found dead after being lost for nine days. That same year, six lost hikers were rescued. In 2021, nine were rescued, followed by 14 in 2022 and six in 2023,” he said.
Given the frequency of these incidents, Mass Rafiuddin believes the system will be invaluable for both hikers and rescuers.
“Hikers who download the area’s map can view their live location on their phones and see the nearest checkpoint. Lost hikers can navigate back to the trail or inform rescuers of their exact whereabouts more accurately,” he said.
The system requires network data only for the initial map download and will continue to function offline while on the trails, provided that the phone’s location service is enabled.
“We aim to cut down response time to victims by at least 50% with this system,” Mass Rafiuddin added.
Hundreds of curious hikers have since scanned the QR codes to familiarise themselves with the system.
Veteran hiker PS Ng, 60, who has been a regular in the area for the past 20 years, expressed his approval.
“I was part of a search party looking for a lost victim up the hill about 10 years ago. We were told the victim was somewhere in the jungle and a big team was deployed in the search effort.
“It took many hours before the victim was found safe.”
Ng said the Check Point Tracker would particularly benefit novice hikers.
“Having an overview of the trails helps reduce panic when they feel exhausted or lost,” he added.
However, some elderly people struggled with the system, prompting firefighters on site to offer assistance.
Central and North Seberang Prai district forestry officer Azman Saad urged hikers to stay on designated trails and always exercise caution.
“We welcome hikers from all backgrounds to visit and explore the gazetted trails for exercise and recreation.
“However, some hikers have expanded the routes by clearing their own paths, and we advise them to refrain from doing that,” he said.
