PANIC and poor decision-making, rather than the forest itself, are often the primary reasons hikers become increasingly difficult to locate after losing their way, according to survival experts and rescue authorities.
As search-and-rescue teams continue responding to incidents involving missing trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts, experienced survival instructors are emphasising that remaining calm can significantly improve a person's chances of being found safely.
Former General Operations Force (GOF) Survival Training Instructor Abdul Hamid Awang Ahmad said one of the most common mistakes made by individuals who realise they are lost is to continue moving without a clear plan, often taking them further away from established trails and making rescue efforts more challenging.
“When a person realises that he or she is lost, the first thing to do is remain calm. Do not start running and do not desperately search for a way out because many people become lost or go missing because they panic and keep moving without any plan.
“If movement is unavoidable in an attempt to find a way out, leave markers along the route whenever possible. Make small marks on tree trunks, tie brightly coloured cloth to branches or leave brief notes indicating the direction of travel,” Harian Metro quoted him saying.
Drawing on more than three decades of survival training experience, Abdul Hamid stressed that even seasoned hikers should never assume familiarity with a forest environment guarantees safety.
“Getting lost is never planned. It can happen because of human error or overconfidence. Some people enter the forest believing they know every route and therefore neglect basic preparations. That is among the biggest mistakes,” he said.
He advised anyone stranded in the wilderness to follow fundamental survival principles, including conserving energy, avoiding unnecessary movement after dark and identifying a suitable place to shelter before nightfall.
“When entering the forest late in the day, stop moving and find a suitable location to build a temporary shelter.
“Avoid continuing to move in darkness because the risk of encountering wild animals such as Malayan tigers and bears is greater, as these predators are more active at night,” he said.
Abdul Hamid said maintaining a fire should become a priority in emergency situations, as it serves multiple purposes including providing warmth, deterring wildlife and acting as a highly visible signal for rescue teams.
He also highlighted the importance of understanding natural food sources, while cautioning against consuming unfamiliar plants or fruits without proper knowledge.
“The rule is to smell the fruit first. If it emits a foul or suspicious odour, leave it alone because it may be unsafe to eat or contain substances that could be harmful,” he said.
While survival knowledge can improve the odds of enduring an emergency, rescue authorities stressed that remaining in one location is often the most effective way to facilitate a successful recovery.
Director-General of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, said search-and-rescue teams are far more likely to locate a missing person who remains stationary than one who continues moving unpredictably through difficult terrain.
He advised stranded individuals to choose a flat and open area, preferably near a water source, with mobile communication coverage and sufficient visibility from the air.
“Additionally, victims can construct a temporary shelter while waiting for search-and-rescue teams.
“If movement is unavoidable, I remind victims to leave clear traces behind,” he said.
Nor Hisham explained that recommended methods include breaking branches at eye level and pointing them in the direction of travel, tying brightly coloured rope or cloth to trees, arranging stones in the shape of arrows and leaving identifiable objects such as water bottles or food packaging.
Written notes indicating the time and direction of movement can also provide crucial clues for rescuers.
He said that once a missing-person report is received, firefighters from the nearest station are immediately deployed to assess the situation and gather preliminary information.
“The Operational Response Team will contact the Operations Control Centre if additional assistance is required.
“A Fire Control Post is established to coordinate the entire search-and-rescue operation, while the Operations Control Centre deploys additional resources from nearby stations or the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM), depending on conditions on the ground,” he said.
Abdul Hamid also urged outdoor enthusiasts not to undertake expeditions alone, noting that travelling in groups significantly improves safety and increases the likelihood of assistance during emergencies.
He further advised hikers to respect the natural environment, avoid damaging vegetation, maintain cleanliness and refrain from leaving rubbish behind.
Equally important, he said, is ensuring that family members are informed of expedition plans and expected return times, while those entering high-risk forest areas should notify the nearest police station before setting out.
For both survival experts and rescuers, the message is clear: preparation, discipline and calm decision-making remain the most effective tools for surviving an unexpected ordeal in the wilderness. - June 7, 2026
