Social media trends to blame? Why Malaysia is tightening hiking rules and what it means for hikers

Malaysia is tightening hiking rules following a surge in search-and-rescue (SAR) cases, driven by people underestimating mountaineering risks while seeking social media validation. The new regulations, introduced by Malaysia's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup, aim to reduce incidents caused by extreme physical exhaustion and minimize accident risks.

Under the new measures, hikers must engage a Forestry Mountain Guide (MGP) at 189 high-risk locations and undergo pre-climb screening procedures.

Nur Fatin Amira, a 29-year-old Sabahan working in industrial manufacturing, will face more logistical planning challenges due to the new rules. Longer hikes may require turning into multi-day trails, impacting her hiking frequency and increasing expenses. Despite the added costs, Fatin, like other hikers, supports the stricter measures.

High-risk routes and mountains covered by the new regulations include Mount Korbu, Mount Gayong, the Trans Titiwangsa Trail, Mount Yong Belar, and Mount Chemendong. Perak, Kelantan, and Selangor have already tightened their rules, while other state forestry departments review the implementation of these measures.

The recent spike in SAR cases has led to increasing concerns over hikers' preparedness, with 1,059 hiking accidents, including 63 fatalities and 87 injuries, recorded between 2021 and 2025. Data from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department shows a 30% increase in lost hiker cases in the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2025.