Malaysia's government is tightening regulations on hiking activities nationwide following a surge in rescue cases linked to social media trends. Concurrently, South Korea is experiencing its highest recorded temperatures, prompting authorities to advise residents to cease outdoor activities to ensure safety.

Hiking Regulations in Malaysia
In the first five months of 2026, Malaysia reported 52 cases of lost hikers, a nearly 30% increase from the same period last year. The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department highlighted the rise in incidents, attributing it to social media trends encouraging risky hiking behaviors. Norimah Abd Karim, a member of a certified forestry mountain guide association, noted that many hikers prioritize social media appeal over safety, often carrying minimal gear to emulate professional trail runners.

In response to the increasing number of rescues, Malaysia's government has introduced new measures. These include mandatory guides in 189 high-risk locations and the banning of "compressed hikes," which condense longer, more challenging trails into a single day. Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noy stated that these changes aim to reduce the risk of accidents and the need for costly search and rescue operations. The government will also enforce stricter pre-climb screening, requiring health declarations and insurance coverage for hikers.

Record Temperatures in South Korea
Meanwhile, South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since modern observations began, reaching 42.5C in Yangsan. This unprecedented heatwave has persisted for several days, with many cities reporting temperatures exceeding 40C. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued emergency heatwave alerts for over 20 localities, urging residents to halt all outdoor activities immediately.

As temperatures soar, many South Koreans are seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces. Ju Dong-yeol, a resident in Seoul, expressed the challenges of coping with the heat, stating that staying indoors is the only option. The KMA has warned that indoor areas without air conditioning can be dangerous and advised the public to move to designated cooling centers.

The extreme heat has also impacted local sports, with the Korea Baseball Organization canceling games in Changwon due to safety concerns for players and spectators. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves to human-induced climate change, exacerbated this year by the return of El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon that elevates Pacific Ocean temperatures.

Wrap-up
As Malaysia takes steps to ensure the safety of hikers in the face of rising rescue cases, South Korea grapples with record-breaking heat that poses serious health risks. Both countries are confronting challenges exacerbated by climate change, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preparedness in outdoor activities.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team