'Lack of experience, unpreparedness, main cause of Bukit Tabur tragedies'

Famous as a casual hiker’s destination, Bukit Tabur, in Taman Melawati is also infamous for the number people injured and, in some cases, killed over the years.

For Hazwan Abdul Ghani, who has dealt with more than 15 cases in Bukit Tabur in the last five years as a rescuer, these unfortunate incidents can be avoided.

“The most number of cases we get are from those who had slipped, fallen and gotten injured, and most of the time they are inexperienced while some first time climbers,” said the officer from the Dang Wangi branch of the Malaysian Civil Defence Department.

"There were also cases where they had lost their way, but very few," he said.

Hazwan said that based on his experience, many of those who had gotten into accidents may not have been fully prepared for the climb.

“For those who know or have had experience in trekking and hiking, they know that they will need to be fully prepared for the long haul if they begin in the morning.

“They would carry with them flashlights and spare batteries in case it gets dark and are aware of the weather conditions for the next day. If rain is forecast, they will cancel their trip,” he said.

According to Hazwan, Bukit Tabur is unique from other hills for casual hikers because its terrain is rocky.

“If it is just soil, like Broga, it is more compact and stable and also less risky. Rocks can look hard but it can break away when stepped on, causing you to slip,” he said.

Hazwan said it is advisable for climbers to inform the police at the nearest station before they embark on they journey. However many climbing Bukit Tabur do not practice this procedure, a destination which sees a high average of three or four cases a year.