On the date of 8 October 2020, the Perak Forestry Department has released a statement informing that all hiking and also recreational activities such as jungle trekking, four-wheelers, cycling, and camping in any permanent forest reserves that are located in Perak (HSKNP) is not allowed starting from 15 October until the end of 31 January 2021.
According to the report in Ipoh Echo, Ramli Mat who is the deputy director of HSKNP operations said that the decision of this closure is due to the monsoon season which will begin sometime in the month of September and reportedly will only end in the year of 2021. This closing isn’t a once in a year occurrence but it is done annually.
Ramli Mat also said, “During the monsoon season, heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and strong winds will be aplenty, which potentially cause flash floods and damage unstable structures”.
Other than that, these thunderstorms also could cause many trees to collapse and eventually would cause harm and also injury to the visitors. HSKNP areas are actually classified as segmented forests. Because of that, people who wish to enter through the entrance require approval via a permit and this is also disallowed during this period.
However, the paved areas at Kledang Hill in Menglembu can still be visited but the jungle tracks which are usually used for jogging and leisure are not allowed to be used at the moment. This permanent forest reserves closure is also an effort to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. Anyone who disobeys will be fined up to RM10,000, imprisoned up to three years or even both, in accordance with Section 47(4) of the National Forestry Act 1984 (Amendment 1985).
Sources: Ipoh Echo.