Social media hiking trend prompts Malaysia to tighten trail regulations

Malaysian authorities are introducing stricter regulations for hikers following a sharp increase in search and rescue (SAR) operations, driven in part by the growing popularity of risky hiking practices on social media.

During the first five months of 2026, Malaysia recorded 52 cases of hikers becoming lost, nearly 30% more than during the same period last year, according to data from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department cited by The Guardian.

The new measures include mandatory mountain guides at 189 high-risk hiking locations nationwide, as well as compulsory pre-climb screening for participants, state news agency Bernama reported.

Introduced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the regulations are intended to reduce accidents and curb the growing number of costly rescue operations.

"The government's priority is to reduce the risk of hikers getting lost and prevent accidents, thereby minimizing the need for SAR operations, which require substantial financial resources and manpower," NRES Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh told reporters.

According to the deputy minister, authorities have found that many hikers begin challenging routes without adequate preparation or venture onto unauthorized trails.

The new pre-climb screening process includes health declarations, reviews of medical history and proof of insurance coverage.

"These measures enable high-risk climbers to be identified early before they are allowed to undertake climbing activities," Noh added.

Lusting after likes instead of wanderlust

Authorities are also targeting the growing popularity of so-called "compressed hikes" — routes completed in a fraction of the usual time. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks and the forestry department in Perak state, where a 34-year-old hiker died last year, have introduced restrictions on such activities in high-risk areas.

Perak Forestry mountain guide Muzafar Mohamad warned that compressed hikes significantly increase safety risks.

"The compressed or short-duration hiking trend that is becoming increasingly popular requires much more meticulous planning because the travel period is shortened to about one-third of the original schedule," he told local media

Officials have also raised concerns over the rise of "express hikers" seeking to accomplish "bag peaks", a term popularized on social media which is climbing as many summits as possible, often for recognition online rather than outdoor recreation.

Experts warn that some hikers deliberately carry minimal equipment to resemble professional trail runners in photos and videos, sacrificing essential safety gear in the process.

"There are hikers who focus more on getting interesting content that they are willing to take risks and neglect their own safety," mountain guide Norimah Abd Karim said.

By Nazrin Sadigova