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

“I follow the guides closely and don’t wander off on my own and for hikes longer than five hours, I also bring a walkie talkie.” 

Before each hike, Fatin said she would study the route, check the weather and ensure that she packs a first-aid kit, sufficient food and emergency supplies. 

Beyond the influence of social media, trip operators also have to manage what X-Trekkers director Yeo described as “summit fever”, when hikers become so determined to reach the peak that they are reluctant to turn back even when conditions become unsafe. 

For groups travelling from Singapore, even an hour-long delay at immigration could eat into the daylight available for a climb, he said, forcing guides to strictly enforce cut-off times. 

“Hikers invest time and money into a climb and are highly motivated to reach the top. When a local guide calls for a retreat due to fading daylight or weather, hikers often perceive this as the guide being ‘lazy’ or unwilling to do their job,” Yeo said. 

Managing this tension while ensuring hikers respect safety boundaries is a challenge for operators, he added.