JOHOR BAHRU: Three local hikers, who are believed to have trespassed into the Gunung Pulai permanent forest reserve and lost their way for nine hours, were found safe in Kulai on Monday.

Johor Forestry Department (JPNJ) director Datuk Salim Aman said the three men, in their 20s and 30s, were believed to have trespassed into the Gunung Pulai Forest Reserve through the Bandar Baru Kangkar Pulai Public Park at 9 am and continued their climb towards Sungai Emas (Gunung Pulai Forest Reserve) to head to Tasik Biru Kangkar Pulai but failed to find their way out.

"The Kangkar Pulai Police Station received a report at 4 pm from the victims via a phone call, stating that they were lost," he said in a statement today.

It was also understood that this was the first time the victims had entered the area.

He said the hikers were found in the Gunung Pulai Forest Reserve at midnight after a four-team search and rescue (SAR) operation was activated at 4 pm, involving members of the Johor Forestry Department (JPNJ), Kangkar Pulai Police Station, Kangkar Pulai Fire and Rescue Department, and the Mountain Forest Guides (MGP).

Salim said the hikers did not possess a permit to enter the forest reserve without a ranger or a mountain guide and action would be taken under Section 47 of the Johor National Forestry Enactment (Adoption) 1995.

He explained that the JPNJ had announced the closure of the Gunung Pulai trek starting Nov 20 and advised the public to comply with the prohibition for their safety.

-- BERNAMA