KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 -- The Selangor State Forestry Department has suspended all applications for "trans hiking" and "hiking compress" activities across the state's Permanent Forest Reserves, effective July 1.

The decision follows a series of hiking-related incidents in recent months that have raised significant safety concerns.

In a notice issued by the Director of Forestry for the State of Selangor, the department warned that violators may be prosecuted under Section 47 of the Enactment on the Application of the National Forestry Act 1985.

Penalties include a maximum fine of RM30,000, up to five years' imprisonment, or both.

The suspension targets high-risk, trail-based activities, particularly multi-day or cross-country treks.

Th...