GEORGE TOWN: Generations of hikers on Penang Hill have enjoyed the trek uphill to reach a broad ledge called “Moon Gate Station 5”.

       However, there is now a large government sign which reads “Hutan Simpan – Dilarang masuk” (Forest Reserve – No Entry).

       Thankfully, a check with the state Forestry Department confirmed that the sign was not meant to declare that Moon Gate Station 5 was off-limits.

       State Forestry Department director Muhammad Ezhar Yusoff assured hikers that they could continue to have free run of the place.

       The sign, he said, was only meant to assert governmental jurisdiction, targeted at those with ill intent.

       “It has been confusing for hikers so we will rectify it by rewording the sign.

       “The sign is a standard procedure to create awareness as the trail is on the border of a forest reserve.

       “This particular border is over 4.6km, which is why we chose Moon Gate Station 5. We picked popular spots along the trails on Penang Hill to place our signs as they will be more visible in warning people against vandalising, littering or other activities like stealing agarwood,” he said.

       Agarwood is the dark, resin-rich wood of certain trees from which a fragrant oil that can fetch over RM400,000 per kilo can be extracted.

       Such trees were illegally harvested along Penang Hill’s range in the past.

       “With this signboard, maybe hikers who see anyone vandalising or littering will be aware that it is a forest reserve and contact us.

       “Maybe now people may appreciate that it is a forest reserve and it will serve as a warning to those who vandalise, cut our trees and cause fires,” he said.

       Avid hiker K. Suthakar, 60, said he was surprised by the sign, which was put up a few days ago, adding that the Moon Gate Station 5 committee was also taken aback as there was no consultation with them.

       “It is widely known that people are not allowed to enter permanent forest reserves without permission from the department.

       “However, in certain states they were not strict in implementing the ruling,” he said recently in a Facebook post.

       Suthakar, who is a former editor of The Star, said in his post that he spoke to officials, who then assured him that hikers were free to enter the trails.

       Moon Gate Station 5 is a ledge that straddles a trail leading to the peak of Penang Hill and is so wide that there is a clearing large enough for hikers to play football.

       Meanwhile, Penang Hill Corporation in a statement advised all hikers to refrain from hiking up Penang Hill through the newly restored drains.

       “The drains are built to ensure proper water flow on the hill. This is important to maintain the slope surface and prevent landslides at critical areas.

       “Hikers are advised to always hike safely through proper hiking paths and bypaths,” it said.