BUKIT MERTAJAM: The popular 3.6km hiking trail in the Cherok To’Kun Forest Reserve here will be off limits to the public from now until Dec 12, 2023.

       Penang Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said slope rectification and stabilisation works had already begun at the site, with heavy machineries expected to arrive on Feb 1.

       “We decided to close the trail to ensure the safety of hikers.

       “During this period, hikers are not allowed to go to the hilltop using other trails as well.

       “Slope rectification works will be carried out from the foothill right up to the hilltop and this could pose a danger to hikers if we do not close the trail,” he said in a statement Wednesday (Jan 26).

       It was earlier reported that 66 landslides were detected along the tarmac trail following the devastating November 2017 storm, which struck the forest reserve and dozens of other places in Penang.