KUALA TERENGGANU – From January 1 next year, climbers at several key hiking spots in permanent forest reserves in Terengganu must use the service of mountain guides.
Among them are Gunung Sarut in Setiu; Gunung Tebu and Gunung Bukit Tangga in Besut; Gunung Chemerong, Berembun, Langsir and Bukit Bauk in Dungun.
State Tourism, Culture and Information Technology Committee chairman Ariffin Deraman said the move was in line with the Forestry Department’s directive which mandated the use of the service from next year for safety reasons.
He said there are 120 such guides in the state and that the number was seen as adequate to meet needs at the locations concerned.
“They have been specially trained and have expertise and knowledge of their respective areas.
“We strongly support the enforcement of the use of mountain guides which is not only good for safety but also creates job opportunities for local residents,” he told reporters after attending the sponsorship presentation ceremony of the Mount Tebu Climbathon Challenge (MTCC) here, today. – Bernama, September 28, 2022
