MARANG, June 10 — The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is assessing the need to enhance standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulations governing extreme sports, particularly mountain climbing activities.

Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the move is aimed at preventing incidents involving missing hikers, including the latest case involving Jaslinda Saludin, who went missing on Gunung Batu Putih in Ipoh for 14 days before being found safe in the Lubuk Gaharu Orang Asli settlement.

He said the department would hold discussions with relevant parties, including the Forestry Department and state park management authorities, which have jurisdiction over locations frequented by hikers.

“These outdoor recreational activities are becoming increasingly popular within our community. They represent a healthy lifestyle that we welcome and encourage.

“We have begun exploring ways to improve SOPs and regulations so that incidents involving missing persons do not recur as frequently.

“We do not have direct control over these areas. Therefore, we will identify the relevant authorities that can work with us on enforcement efforts. We will also look into the need to strengthen the registration system and forest trail marking measures,” he said this after officiating the closing ceremony of the 2026 Skill Parade and Competition at the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Academy (Eastern Region) in Wakaf Tapai here today.

A total of 287 participants from across the country competed in 10 events, with Kuala Lumpur JBPM emerging as the overall champion and taking home RM20,000 in prize money along with the challenge trophy.

Meanwhile, Nor Hisham also responded to criticism from certain quarters questioning JBPM’s search and rescue efforts for missing hikers, including Jaslinda, on the grounds that such operations incur high costs.

He said that as a rescue agency, it is the department’s duty and responsibility to safeguard lives and ensure the safety of all individuals within the scope of its responsibilities.

“At the initial stage of any operation, we operate on the assumption that the victim is still alive. Therefore, immediate action involving sufficient manpower must be mobilised.

“Cost is certainly a consideration, but the priority is the victim’s life and the safety of the rescue team. At the same time, we manage operations as efficiently as possible and do not spend indiscriminately,” he said. — Bernama