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TWO mountain guides have been detained following the discovery of a male hiker found dead at the summit of Gunung Liang in Muallim, Perak, in a case that has now triggered a forest permit investigation.
Perak Deputy Police Chief, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Azlin Sadari, confirmed that the men, both in their 40s, were arrested after a report was lodged by the Perak State Forestry Department (JPNPk) for leading a group into a protected forest reserve without a valid entry permit.
The hiking group had started their ascent from Bentong, Pahang, and were only issued permits for access via the Pahang side. However, they exited the forest on the Perak side, entering a separate forest jurisdiction without authorisation.
“The group began their climb from Bentong, on the Pahang side, but descended into the Perak district of Muallim. The guides had permits issued by the Pahang Forestry Department, but no permit for the Perak forest reserve,” said Mohammad Azlin.
“The arrest was carried out by the Perak Forestry Department under the National Forestry Act 1984, for entering a forest reserve without a valid permit,” he added during a press briefing at the Perak Police Contingent Headquarters.
Both guides have since been released on police bail pending investigation.
The incident followed a large-scale search and rescue (SAR) operation coordinated by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Perak, assisted by the police, Civil Defence Force (APM), and forestry officers, after the hiker was reported missing for two days.
The victim, identified as 34-year-old Mustaqqeem Mansoor from Sungai Petani, Kedah, was found deceased at approximately 3.30pm on 15 October at the summit of Gunung Liang Barat.
Acting Assistant Director of Operations at JBPM Perak, Shazlean Mohd Hanafiah, said Mustaqqeem had last been seen by a fellow hiker at 10.30pm on 14 October, struggling with a leg injury and moving slowly near the summit.
He had been trekking with 10 companions from Fraser’s Hill in Pahang and was scheduled to descend on the Perak side.
“This would not have been an issue if the group had returned via the same route they ascended,” said Mohammad Azlin. “But entering Perak territory without prior approval constitutes a violation under forestry law.”
The investigation continues under the National Forestry Act 1984. - October 17, 2025
