Syazwani Hj Rosli

Kampong Subok Acting Village Head Lawi bin Haji Lamat while reminding members of the public to comply with all directives and advisories from the government in curbing the spread of COVID-19, informed that Bukit Sipatir will today reopen to hiking enthusiasts and members of the public.

“We are making signboards (to be placed throughout the hiking trails) to remind hikers about the prevention measures implemented by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in curbing the spread of COVID-19. We are aware that Bukit Sipatir has been receiving a lot of visitors and we (the villagers) will also have to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety and well-being,” he said.

Lawi hoped all visitors will abide by the recommended MoH guidelines.

Lawi had earlier announced the closure of Bukit Sipatir through an online interview with the Bulletin, in response to a recent statement on the prohibition of performing activities involving mass gathering in public places, especially at parks and recreational forest sites, beaches and lakes.

“We immediately blocked off the entrance to Bukit Sipatir after the announcement was made,” Lawi said.

However, a clarification was made on April 20, which highlighted that there is no restriction for the public to visit recreational sites.

Meanwhile, local hiking enthusiast Eally Aleeza binti Haji Bagol is thankful that Bukit Sipatir has reopened to the public, and reminded fellow hikers to hike safely and be responsible outdoors.

“Just maintain social or physical distancing – that is important – and limiting the number of persons you hike with; just one or two to be extra safe for now,” she said.