SHAH ALAM, Oct 19 — A mountain guide’s duty goes beyond knowing the trails and routes to a summit, as they are also responsible for ensuring the safety of every climber under their care.
Selangor Branch of the Forestry Mountain Guides Association (PMGPCNS) former chairman Mohamad Ariffin Sulaiman said the principle of “no one left behind” must be upheld by every mountain guide while on duty.
“The term ‘no one left behind’ means that if we take five or seven climbers into the forest, we must come out with the same number — not a single person should be left behind.
“I am saddened by this incident, especially since it involved a death. In the past, I have faced similar situations before and have even participated in search and rescue (SAR) operations at Mount Nuang,” he told Media Selangor in response to the recent death of a climber, Mustaqqeem Mansoor, 34, who was found dead at the summit of Gunung Liang, Perak, last Thursday.
The victim, who was reportedly injured from the hike and was pacing slowly, was believed to have been left behind by his group, which included nine other climbers.
Ariffin said Gunung Liang is among the most challenging mountains due to its steep and dangerous terrain, especially for amateur climbers.
A mountain guide since 2022, he said that according to standard operating procedures (SOP), the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia would conduct a post-mortem review, depending on the nature of the incident.
“To all fellow mountain guides, we must ensure that our group departs and returns safely. We need to do our best and be more professional in ensuring the safety of climbers,” he added.
Meanwhile, Selangor Forestry Department deputy director (Forest Operations) Mohd Nor Firdaus Rahim advised the public to be cautious when engaging in forest hiking activities.
He also stated that all activities at permanent forest reserves and eco-forest parks under the department’s management would be temporarily closed from November 17 to January 31, 2026.
“The closure is a precautionary measure to prevent untoward incidents during the monsoon season,” he said.
