FAQ

The Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia Headquaters is responsible for enacting forestry policy, providing technical advice and assistance to the State Forestry Department regarding forest planning, management and development, forest harvesting and wood-based industries, forest operations studies and training and human resource development.

Meanwhile, the State Forestry Department is responsible for the administration and control of forest harvesting, collection of forest products and development. The department also plans and coordinates the development of wood -based industries. The State Forestry Department which is divided into the Forest Operations Division and the Forest Development Division is supported by the District Forest office.

The Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia and the State Forestry Department can be reach through:

The Malaysian Forestry Policy is a guideline formulated by considering the three main aspects of the policies of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The Statement, Rationale and Policy Objectives in the Malaysian Forestry Policy are general in nature and serve as a reference and guide for the three respective regions in the implementation of sustainable forest management. The respective regional targets, goals and strategies are detailed in the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Policy for the states in Peninsular Malaysia, the Sabah Forest Policy for the State of Sabah and the Sarawak Forest Policy for the State of Sarawak

The National Forestry Act 1984 is a law enacted and approved by the Parliament of Malaysia. This law is provided for the administration, management and conservation of forests as well as the development of domestic forestry in Malaysia and for related purposes.

The National Forestry Act (Application) Enactment is a law passed at the State Legislative Assembly level for all states in Malaysia except Sarawak to adopt or apply the National Forestry Act 1984.

The Forest Ordinance is a law passed at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly to adopt or apply the National Forestry Act 1984.

The Forest Methods is a document that states the procedure or method of implementation of the National Forestry Act at the state level. This document will specify specifically the method of implementation, fee rates, forms and other matters that will be used in the application of the National Forestry Act.

Policy Documents, Acts, Enactments, Ordinances and Rules of Procedure used in forestry can be downloaded via the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/my/perpustakaan-jpsm-muat-turun or by contacting the State Legal Officer or Officer at Legal and Prosecution Division, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia.

The Forestry Officer in the Peninsular Malaysia and State Forestry Department is known as the Forest Preserver and will be responsible in planning, managing and controlling forestry activities in line with Government regulations and policies.

The forestry glossary catalog can be accessed via the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/2016-06-07-02-31-39/2016-06-07-02-35-17/forestry-glossary-catalogue.

Pembelian buku terbitan Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia boleh dibuat melalui Seksyen Perpustakaan, Bahagian Khidmat Pengurusan, Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia. Senarai buku terbitan yang ditawarkan untuk jualan boleh dirujuk melalui pautan: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/2016-06-07-02-53-46/publication/book-publication.

The procedure to access library facilities of the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia is by submitting a formal application letter to the Director General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia for consideration and approval. Any inquiries and further information can contact the Library Section, Management Services Division, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia at 03 26164488.

The list of publications or journals related to forestry can be referred via the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/pusat-sumber/perpustakaan-jpsm.

Any applications to borrow or donate reference books at the library of the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia can be made by contacting the Library Section, Management Services Division, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia at 03 26164488.

Submission of journals or manuscripts for publication in The Malaysian Forester book can be made by submitting a softcopy of the journal to the editor via email: malaysianforester [at] forestry.gov.my for consideration and approval. The format for preparing the manuscript or journal can be referred through the link http://malaysianforester.my/forestry.

Any offer to attend the Forest Ranger Forestry Certificate Course will be made through the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia website: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/ and also from official social media department @jpsmofficial. Therefore, the application can be submitted according to the period and conditions as advertised in the advertisement offer.

Any application to follow the Malaysian Criteria and Indicators (MC&I) Programme can be referred directly to the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) at 03 2161 2298 or by referring to the link https://mtcc.com.my for more information.

Applications for visits to galleries and offices of the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia can be sent by official letter to the Director General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia for consideration and approval.

The Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia welcomes the involvement of the public in any program to preserve and conserve the forest. However, permission is given to groups, companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Public Institutes of Higher Learning (IPTA) and other public agencies only. Any intention of sponsoring or participating in the programme need to send a formal application letter to the Director-General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia or to the relevant State Director of Forestry for consideration and approval.

Any applications for filming, documentaries, videography and photography in the Permanent Forest Reserve can be made by submitting a formal application letter to the Director General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia or to the relevant Director of State Forestry for consideration and approval.

Any applications to carry and use drones within the Permanent Forest Reserve must obtain permission from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) as well as the relevant State Director of Forestry. Taking photos and videos using drones is also subject to existing forest rules and regulations.

How to make an application to conduct a study/ research in a Permanent Forest Reserve?

Any applications to conduct studies / research in Permanent Forest Reserves must complete the "Application Form to Conduct Studies / Research in Permanent Forest Reserves (PFR)" and submit one (1) month in advance from the date of implementation of the study / research to the Director General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia for consideration and approval. Relevant forms can be downloaded via the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/pusat-sumber/muat-turun.

Permohonan untuk menjalankan kajian/ penyelidikan di dalam kawasan Hutan Simpanan Kekal perlu melengkapkan “Borang Permohonan Untuk Menjalankan Kajian/Penyelidikan Dalam Hutan Simpanan Kekal (HSK)” dan dikemukakan satu (1) bulan awal dari tarikh pelaksanaan kajian/ penyelidikan kepada Ketua Pengarah Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia untuk pertimbangan dan kelulusan. Borang berkaitan boleh dimuat turun melalui pautan: https://www.forestry.gov.my/my/pusat-sumber/muat-turun.

Any applications to hold an interview session can be made by submitting a formal application letter to the Director General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia or to the relevant State Director of Forestry for consideration and approval and submitted two (2) weeks in advance from the date of the interview session.

Applications to conduct Industrial Training can be made by submitting a formal application letter to the Director General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia or to the relevant State Director of Forestry for consideration and approval through the Institute of Higher Education - IPT respectively and biodata / resume of the applicant.

Any applications for permanent employment in the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia must go through the employment application procedure and valid appointment through the Public Service Commission (SPA). Meanwhile, the recruitment of officers by contract/ part -time appointment will be posted on the Department's official website: www.forestry.gov.my and official social media @jpsmofficial.

The invitation of a speaker from the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia can be made by submitting a formal application letter to the Director General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia or to the relevant State Director of Forestry for consideration and approval.

Any suggestions for service improvement to the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia can be delivered via email: feedback [at] forestry.gov.my.

Forests refer to areas overgrown with wild and mixed trees that are the natural habitat of flora and fauna. The forest is also a portion of land larger than half a hectare (5,000 square meters) and has trees with a height of more than five (5) meters and has a tree canopy cover of more than 10 percent or with trees that can meet these criteria.

Forests are categorized into three (3) types, namely Permanent Forest Reserves under the administration of the Forestry Department, Government Land Forests under the administration of Local Authorities and Owned Land Forests under the administration of individuals / individuals.

The forest layer is categorized into several layers as follows:

a. Upper or emergent canopy
 - Consists of large trees with a height between 30m 50m and has a straight trunk, upright and rooted banir. This layer is the habitat of birds and groups of monkeys and apes.

b. Main canopy
 - Consists of medium to large trees with a height between 20m 30m. The tree grows close and low and has a thick canopy and can block sunlight from penetrating the bottom layer. The middle layer consists of a tree trunk with a height of 6m 20m. This layer is a habitat for wildlife such as snakes, leopards and leopards.

c. Lower tree canopy or understorey
 - Consists of a tree trunk with a height of 6m 20m. This layer is a habitat for wildlife such as snakes, leopards and leopards.

d. Forest floor
 - Consists of plants with a height of less than 5m such as herbaceous plants and shrubs. The soil surface usually does not receive direct sunlight and is filled with fungi, mushrooms, mosses, fungi and ferns.

Tree sizes are categorized according to diameter as follows:

 a. Small trees (54 cm dbh);
 b. Medium -sized trees (54 - 86 cm dbh);
 c. Large trees (86 - 150 cm dbh); and
 d. Very large trees (≥ 150 cm dbh).

Permanent Forest Reserve is defined as an area of forested and non -forested land gazetted for forestry purposes under Section 7, National Forestry Act 1984. Normally, this area is only referred to as a Forest Reserve. Permanent Forest Reserve also refers to any land that has been made or is deemed to have been made a permanent forest reserve under the National Forestry Act 1984 for the Peninsula.

List of Permanent Forest Reserve classification based on the provisions of the National Forestry Act 1984 as follows:

 a. Timber Production Forest under Sustainable Acquisition;
 b. Land Protection Forest;
 c. Land Reclamation Forest;
 d. Flood Control Forest;
 e. Water Catchment Forest;
 f. Wildlife Protection Forest;
 g. Virgin Jungle Reserve;
 h. Amenity Forest;
 i. Education Forest;
 j. Research Forest; and
 k. Forests for Federal Purposes.

List of Permanent Forest Reserve classification based on Altitude and Climate Characteristics as follows:

 a. Lowland Dipterocarp Forest;
 b. Hill Dipterocarp Forest;
 c. Upper Dipterocarp Forest;
 d. Mountain Oak Forest;
 e. Mountain Ericaceous Forest.

The buffer zone as defined in the 2nd National Physical Plan Policy (NPP) is a form of green area that separates two land use activities that do not complement, for example residential and industrial areas. In general, this zone becomes a restricted area and should be free from any disturbance and human activities that could damage the area.

Based on the Circular of the Director General of Forestry of Peninsular Malaysia No. 5 of 2014: Determination of the Width of the Buffer Zone According to the Function of the Permanent Forest Reserve is as follows:

The method used in the harvesting/ logging of the Permanent Forest Reserve is using the Selective Management System (SMS). The SMS method is generally selective tree felling, which involves the felling of large or suitable trees only and then undergoing silvicultural treatment to restore the area that has been cultivated.

The total forested areas and Permanent Forest Reserves in Peninsular Malaysia for the year 2020 are 5,694,784 hectares and 4,806,334 hectares respectively. Detailed information can be obtained through the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/2016-06-07-02-53-46/2016-06-07-03-12-29 or get the latest Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Statistics book for RM20.00 each. For the purpose of purchase can be referred through the Library Section, Management Services Division at 03-26164488.

Permanent Forest Reserves are classified into two (2) categories, namely Production Forests and Protection Forests. Logging activities are only allowed in the Permanent Forest Reserve which is categorized as Production Forest with the permission and approval of the State Authority.

Permanent Forest Reserves are classified into two (2) categories, namely Production Forests and Protection Forests. For the purpose of logging activities are only allowed in the Permanent Forest Reserve which is categorized as Production Forest with the permission and approval of the State Authority.

To identify the characteristics and age of a tree species is by making observations on the specific and unique characteristics of the tree species such as canopy, stem, leaves, branches, twigs, bark, bark, wood and diameter of the tree. To obtain confirmation on the tree species, reference can be made to the Forestry Training Division, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia at 03 6276 6007 and also the Forest Research Institute Malaysia at 03 6279 7000.

Applications can be made through the Forestry Training Division, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia. Any questions and further information can call 03 6276 6007.

A concession is a matter or permission given to a company to use an Area for forest exploitation for an agreed period.

A license is an official certificate or document issued by the State Forestry Department that gives permission to a person or company to transfer forest products and is divided into “License to Take Forest Produce (Form 1); Minor Licence (Form 3); and Removal License (Form 5)”.

A permit is an official letter or document to implement something in the Permanent Forest Reserve and is divided into “Use Permit (Form 4); Permit to Enter Permanent Reserved Forest (Form 6); and Road Permit (Form 7)”.

According to Section 2 of the National Forestry Act 1984 "forest produce" is defined according to the status of the land and the type of produce as per the following table:

Extraction of forest products from Permanent Forest Reserves and Government Land is through Forest Products Extraction License as Form 1 in the National Forestry Act 1984. The basic condition for this application is that the applicant whether individual or corporation must be registered as a logging contractor with the State Forestry Department under Rule 28 or Rule 29, Forest Rules or regulations in force in the state. This registration is to enable the Department to select and ensure that only individuals or corporations are eligible to carry out forest harvesting activities. More information on this matter can be found through the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/2016-06-07-02-31-39/licensing-yield-license

Application for Permit Use of Permanent Forest Reserve is as per Form 4 in the National Forestry Act 1984. Application can be made directly through the relevant State Forestry Department.

Activities allowed for Use Permit application are research, education or training activities, recreation, water resources usage, vegetables cultivation and foder crops, establishment of conversion plant and logging infrastructure.

Application to take out forest products from owned land, land under temporary occupation license, mining land or reserve land is through a Lesen Pemindah as per Form 5 in the National Forestry Act 1984. Application can be made directly through the relevant State Forestry Department.

Certification of timber is an independent evaluation process to verify the origin of wood raw materials and their status. Now it is becoming an important market tool to promote good forest management so as to consider the economic, social and environmental aspects of the forest. Certification of timber is important because it promotes and ensures the implementation of good forest management practices so that it can continue to remain healthy to produce wood and other services in a lasting manner.

Application to enter the Permanent Forest Reserve is through the issuance of a Permit to Enter Permanent Reserved Forest as per Form 6 in the National Forestry Act 1984. Applications can be made directly through the relevant State Forestry Department.

Application for license for import or export of forest products should be referred to the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) http://www.mtib.gov.my/ link.

Application for Timber Industry License (IBK) can be made by submitting two (2) copies of the Wood-Based Industry Proforma Form which can be obtained at the District Forest Office or the relevant State Forestry Office for consideration and approval. More information on this matter can be found via the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/2016-06-07-02-31-39/licensing-wood-industry.

Information on current timber prices can be obtained by visiting the official website of Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia via the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/harga-kayu-balak or website can be referred to the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) at the link: https://www.mtib.gov.my/en/services/promotion/timber-prices.

Applications for copies of geospatial data must be submitted formally to the Director General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia. Terms and conditions of the application can be referred through KPPSM Circular No. 1 of 2014: JPSM Geospatial Information Sharing and Dissemination Policy and more information related to this matter can be found through the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/applications-for-fdpm-data.

Forestry statisticl information can be accessed via the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/my/pusat-sumber/2016-06-07-03-12-29 or download the annual report via the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/2016-06-07-02-53-46/2016-06-07-03-12-29 or get the latest Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Statistics book for RM20.00 each. For the purpose of purchase can be referred through the Library Section, Management Services Division at 03-26164488.

Reports of dangerous trees located in the Permanent Forest Reserve can be reported directly to the relevant State Forestry Department. Meanwhile, dangerous trees located outside the Permanent Forest Reserve such as roadside trees, city trees and others can be reported directly to the relevant Local Authority Office.

Information on medicinal plants or forest herbs can be accessed via the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/2016-06-07-02-31-39/2016-06-07-02-35-17/herbs..

A mother tree is a tree selected from a mature tree that has good physical properties and is marked to be maintained for the purpose of seed production. While a protective tree is a tree measuring the same diameter or above the cutting limit, which is marked to be maintained for protection purposes during the harvesting work for the benefit of silvilculture, wildlife interests, nutritional resources and preservation resources of endangered species.

Protection trees are fruit trees that are a source of food for fauna, especially birds and should not be cut down. There are 32 species of trees that are categorized as protection trees as follows and more information can be accessed by visiting the MyBis website at the link: www.mybis.gov.my.

Information on bamboo and rattan can be accessed via the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/my/perkhidmatan/info-perhutanan/buluh-rotan.

Forest tree seedlings should be referred directly to the relevant State Forestry Department or registered tree nursery.

The purchase of forest timber can be made at the sawmill which has a license and is registered with the relevant State Forestry Department.

There are eight (8) tree species recommended for forest plantation crops. The list and information of recommended plantation species for forest plantation crops can be accessed through the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/my/perkhidmatan/info-perhutanan/spesies-ladang. .

There are various techniques of planting and caring for trees according to the suitability of tree species, planting mediums and others. More information can be referred through the Forest Plantation Division, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia at 03-2616 4488.

Applications for establishment forest plantations can be referred directly to the relevant State Forestry Department for advice and procedures related to the establishment of forest plantations. Further information on this matter can also be referred to the Forest Plantation and Forest Protection Division, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia at 03 - 2616 4488.

Applications for the planting of rubber trees on forest reserve must be referred to the relevant State Forestry Department for consideration and subject to the Forest Plantation Development Zone regulations and the approval of the State Government.

The Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia does not offer tree planting assistance grants. Therefore, this application can be referred directly to the relevant agency.

Yes. An application to obtain sapling stock from the Forestry Department can be made by submitting a formal application to the relevant State Forestry Department.

The types of acts that are categorized as forest offenses include the following matters:

a. Taking logs without a license;
b. Illegal possession of forest products;
c. Damaging trees with fire;
d. Clearing or plowing any land for crops;
e. Entering the Permanent Forest Reserve without permission;
f. Hunting, shooting animals and setting traps traps;
g. Taking herbal trees for medicine without a license;
h. Taking forest products such as rattan, fruits and others without a license;
i. Dipping, dumping toxic substances or fish bombs in rivers or lakes;
j. Taking agarwood without a license;
k. Ringing or tapping trees;
l. Occupying or carrying out any activity without a permit; and
m. Altering boundary signs and damaging signage on trees.

Severe punishment if convicted will be imposed in accordance with the National Forestry Act 1984 and will involve imprisonment and fines/compounds depending on the type of forest offense committed. More information on the punishment of forest offenses can be found through the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/2016-06-07-02-31-39/2016-06-07-02-35-17/forest-offence.

No, except with the written permission of the Director only for permitted purposes and activities. The Director or forest officer authorized by the Director will issue a permit to enter the FRP to:

a. Licensee, his worker or agent who has been granted license approval to carry out forestry or forest development work in FRP;
b. A forest officer or a person who has been authorized by any other written law, but only for the purpose of carrying out an appointed or authorized function;
c. A person who holds a permit to enter a permanent forest reserve for educational, research or recreational purposes permitted within a specified period.

Illegal logging refers to the conduct of forest offenses committed in two (2) categories, namely syndicated or non -syndicated with:

a. Taking any forest product from FRP or Government Land without a license [Section 15 (1)];
b. Transfer of forest product from any allotted land, under a temporary occupation license, mining land or reserve land [Section 40 (1)]; and
c. Felling, cutting, ringing, marking, pruning or tapping any tree; or damage by fire, or otherwise, or remove any tree or timber [Section 81 (1) (b)].

The most common types of offenses committed by individuals or interested parties whether intentionally or unintentionally are:

a. Entering FRP without permission from the State Forestry Department (SFD);
b. Bringing or possessing forest products without legal documents from SFD including forest products from owned land; c. Carrying out leisure or recreational activities in the closed forest;
d. Felling trees outside the license area as well as trees without tags (production forest areas); and
e. Establishment and operation of wood -based factory premises without permission.

The Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia is always committed in addressing forest offenses and misconduct involving forest products in Peninsular Malaysia. Among the proactive measures taken include:

a. Frequent monitoring and patrols in hotspot and FRP areas at risk of various forest offenses;
b. Taking immediate action on public complaints about forest offenses received;
c. Monitoring of FRP areas through FRMS and egp systems as well as detection of open FRP areas for immediate field review action; and
d. Cooperation with other relevant enforcement agencies to conduct integrated operations more frequent.

Most of the offenses detected are committed in a syndicate and committed by individuals with extensive experience and knowledge of forest products.

For individuals or interested parties who are found to have committed an offense with strong evidence, legal action will be taken under the National Forestry Act 1984 (Act 313) and the Wood -Based Industry Enactment 1986 (amended 2009) according to the offense section involved.

The public or the local community can report any forest offenses that occur to:

a. The relevant State Forestry Department; or
b. Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department through the Forest Enforcement Division via the hotline 1-800-88-5776 or email to aduan [at] forestry.gov.my.

All complaints can be channeled through the following methods:

a. Contact the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department Hotline at 1 800 88 5576;
b. Calling office phone number at 03 2616 4488/03 2692 5657 which operates during working hours only (Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm);
c. Send e -mail via the link: aduan [at] forestry.gov.my; or
d. Fill out the online complaint form via the link https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/hubungi-kami/aduan-maklumbalas.

The Department requires information on the complainant's name, telephone number, email, date of the incident, forest offense information, location and photographic evidence of forest offense.

The Department will investigate and then act within three (3) days from the date the complaint is received. However, most complaints will be acted upon as soon as the complaint information is received.

All complaints related to wild animals are outside the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department for action and they fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN). Therefore, complaints should be channeled to the relevant parties at the PERHILITAN Hotline 1-800-88-5151.

All complaints related to animal disturbance are outside the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department for action and are under the jurisdiction of the Local Authority (LA). Therefore, complaints should be channeled to the relevant parties.

Forest Eco Park is an area within a Permanent Forest Reserve that is gazetted as an amenity forest for the purpose of carrying out recreational activities, research and education as well as to preserve flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the State Park Forest is a Permanent Forest Reserve area established for the protection, preservation and conservation of forest biological diversity as well as carrying out activities such as education, recreation and forest eco -tourism.

An amenity forest is an area located within a Permanent Forest Reserve gazetted under the National Forestry Act 1984 Section 10 (1) (i) and developed for the purpose of recreational activities such as relaxation, sports, conducting research and education and for the purpose of conserving flora and fauna. sediada. While recreational forest is any area that is developed for the purpose of recreational activities but located outside the Permanent Forest Reserve.

Information on Forest Eco Park (Amusement Forest) and State Park Forest can be obtained through the link: https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/2016-06-07-02-31-39/2016-06-07-02-35-17/amenity-forests-state-park-forests.

Applications to enter the forest for the purpose of climbing, camping, picnics, organizing four -wheel drive (4x4) activities, organizing events and others can be made by referring to the website or by contacting the phone no. of the relevant State Forestry Department.

Basically, the information required for the application of Permit to Enter a Permanent Forest Reserve for the purpose of climbing activities is a list of names and no. participant's identity card/ passport, date and location of the climb. For more information can contact phone no. of the relevant State Forestry Department.

Permit Fee for Permit Entry to the Permanent Forest Reserve for the purpose of climbing activities charged for each individual varies by state. However, the fee charged is in the range of RM5 - RM10 per person. For more information can contact phone no. of the relevant State Forestry Department office.

Application to become a Forest Mountain Guide (MGP) can be made by submitting an official letter application along with the applicant's biodata/ resume to the relevant State Forestry Department. The selection of MGP will be scrutinized and screened based on the set criteria before being invited to attend the mandatory training sessions. Any further inquiries can be submitted via e -mail: mgp [at] forestry.gov.my.

Applications for standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the management of private forest parks can be made by submitting an official letter to the Director- General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia.

Forestry Mountain Guide (MGP) is an effort by the Forestry Department Of Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM) to facilitate the management and control of FDPM and State Forestry Departments over recreational activities that enter climbing areas in Permanent Forest Reserves (PFR) as well as ensure compliance with the conditions and regulations set by this department. In addition, the increasing rate of accidents, injuries and deaths in PFR involving climbing activities is one of the factors behind the existence of MGP. Accident statistics in PFR are as shown in Table 1.0 below. Table 1.0

Source: Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department Trained MGPs can provide initial assistance to authorities such as the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department in carrying out rescue activities. Indirectly, it can reduce the risk of accidents during climbing activities. This department has also set the conditions that mountain guides who wish to register must successfully complete the course to be eligible to be recognized as a Forestry Mountain Guide (MGP).

In 2020, the Forestry Department Of Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM) trained and recognized the first group of MGPs in the State of Johor. A total of 60 MGPs successfully completed the course and were certified that year. Recognizing the importance of MGPs in climbing activities, especially in the FPR area, the government, through the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) at that time, provided a number of allocations to train 1,200 MGPs in 2022 involving all states in Peninsular Malaysia.

Through the 2022 State Forestry Directors Conference, all State Forestry Directors (SFD) have agreed to enforce the use of MGP in climbing activities. Mandatory climbing locations have been determined by the State Forestry Department based on factors such as the level of danger of a climbing area and also recorded accident records.

In 2023, the Government through the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) has provided additional allocations until 2025 to train MGPs. FDPM welcomes the government's efforts in improving the management and control of recreational enthusiasts who carry out climbing activities. The selection of participants who apply to become MGPs is carried out more carefully and transparently by implementing a fitness test as an additional requirement for prospective MGPs. The fitness test involves six (6) criteria, namely a 2.4 kilometer run, 4x10 meter shuttle run, push-ups, sit-ups, standing jump and 50 meter swim. Through this fitness test screening, only participants who pass the set level will be selected. In addition, in 2023, two (2) advanced MGP courses will be introduced, namely Advanced Rescue and Advanced Forestry. This advanced course is open to all existing MGPs looking to improve their climbing-related skills and knowledge. Advanced Rescue involves 19 modules entirely involving instructors from Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department. Advanced Forestry involves 16 modules involving instructors from FDPM and SFD. The government, through FDPM, believes that through this additional course, it can improve the skills of MGPs in carrying out their responsibilities as Malim.

Regarding the ratio of MGPs and climbers (1:7), JPSM still maintains that ratio to facilitate the control and management of climbers by MGPs during activities. This ratio was finalized by the National Security Council (NSC) when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country. However, FDPM has taken note of the suggestions from activists so that this ratio can be reviewed and changed in the future. FDPM always conducts studies from time to time regarding this matter.

For issues related to HSK entry permits, based on Section 47 (1) (c) of the National Forestry Act 1984 which provides that "no person may enter any closed forest except a person holding a permit to enter a permanent reserve forest, but only for the period stated in the permit". In this regard, every recreational activity participant in the FDR must submit a permit application to the relevant SFD.

FDPM does not set the service rates for MGP, as FDPM is not the agency responsible for regulating the prices of such services. In this regard, MGP are advised to determine their service rates reasonably, based on factors such as level of difficulty, climbing duration, management, operations, and other relevant considerations.