SHAH ALAM - As the monsoon season arrives, people are advised not to do activities involving hiking, and picnics especially near waterfalls for safety reasons.
This follows the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) expecting the North East Monsoon from Nov 11 to March next year likely to bring four to six episodes of heavy rain during that period.
The effects of the bad weather will cause continuous heavy rain for several days.
It can cause flooding in low-lying areas and areas that frequently flood.
The occurrence of high tides and storm surges, the risk of flooding can be more extreme if continuous heavy rain occurs simultaneously.
In addition, continuous and strong northeasterly winds can also cause rough seas, the risk of sea level rise and large waves in the waters of the South China Sea.
Risks of monsoon climbing activities:
1. Slippery surfaces can be dangerous to hikers
2. Water surge in rivers or waterfalls can occur suddenly.
3. High risks for flooding or landslides.
4. Hikers can get injured, getting lost, falling down steep slopes or dying from hypothermia.
Several locations of Taman Eko Rimba in Selangor are closed from Nov 15 until Jan 31 2024:
Taman Eko Rimba Ampang.
Taman Eko Rimba Gunung Nuang
Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Tekala
Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel
Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Tua
Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Sendat.
The temporary closure was implemented on the instructions of the Selangor Forestry Department Director Azhar Ahmad as a precautionary measure following the monsoon season which could pose a risk to visitors.
Likewise in Pahang, the state's National Park Authority will temporarily close climbing activities at Rentis Gunung Tahan on Nov 15, 2023 until Jan 15 next year.