STRICTER: Selangor Forestry Department is charging climbers and limiting their numbers to prevent accidents at Bukit Tabur
KUALA LUMPUR: HIKERS, who are keen to climb Bukit Tabur, will need to apply for a permit and be subjected to permit checks by officers of the Selangor Forestry Department. These officers will be on ground four times a week — Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday — to only allow those with the documents to ascend the hill.
The RM5 per climb permit comes as a stricter enforcement to curb incidents of climbers suffering from serious injuries, and even death from falling off the hills.
Selangor Forestry Department district forest officer (Selangor Central division) Awang Shaffie Awang Ahmadni said getting a permit to climb the hill was mandatory since early this year.
“The permit can be obtained at the Selangor Forestry Department in Cheras and climbers need to acquire the permit at least a week before their climb,” said Awang Shaffie.
He also said upon obtaining the permit, climbers need to clarify if they are first-timers.
“First-timers are advised to climb with experienced climbers who are familiar with the track and path, as there have been cases of climbers getting lost.
“Officers will be stationed at the starting point of Bukit Tabur to check on permits and to limit the number of climbers entering Bukit Tabur.
“We had replaced the climbing ropes and added more ropes at steep surfaces are part of the upkeep in November last year,” said Awang Shaffie, adding that only 100 climbers are allowed to scale the hill in a day.
He also advised hikers to climb the hill in the morning and wear proper hiking shoes.
Ng Yoke Foo, 65, an avid hiker, who climbs the hill twice a week, said previously the permit was only RM5 per month.
“I feel that the new requirement of RM5 per climb is not reasonable as my friends and I climb the hill often,” said Ng.
He also added that there was no upkeep of the area and some irresponsible people litter the hill.
“Sometimes my fellow climbers and I collect the rubbish to ensure the cleanliness of the hill,” said Ng.
He also said it can take up to four hours to climb to the peak, therefore, first-timers need to have high levels of fitness and proper attire.
Bukit Tabur, he added, should be off-limits for people who are afraid of heights as there are stretches of the trail where one needs to claw one’s way up the razor-sharp rock due to its rugged terrain. He said this where climbers can get cuts.
Bukit Tabur, located in Taman Melawati, is about 500m above sea level and popular with hikers as it is located close to the city and offers a panaromic view of Kuala Lumpur.
Bukit Tabur is within the jurisdiction of the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) and Selayang Municipal Council (MPS). However, the management and maintenance of the hill falls under the purview of the Selangor Forestry Department.
-NST
