When Adventure Turns Tragic: Lessons from Gunung Liang

Because reaching the peak should never cost a life.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25, 2025: The death of 34-year-old hiker Mustaqqeem Mansoor on Gunung Liang has left a deep mark on Malaysia’s hiking community. What began as an adventure turned into tragedy — and a national conversation about safety, empathy, and shared responsibility in the outdoors.

Reports said Mustaqqeem, an experienced climber, suffered muscle cramps and later died of hypothermia during a multi-day trek from Bukit Fraser, Pahang, to Gunung Liang, Perak.

His death sparked anger among the public, with many blaming the guides for not doing enough, and others questioning the group’s decision-making. His companions later denied abandoning him, saying they climbed back up to search when they realised he was missing.

Safety Must Be More Than a Checklist

The authorities — from the Forestry Department to mountain guide associations — must take this as a wake-up call. Outdoor safety can’t depend on luck or experience alone.

• Each expedition should have mandatory safety briefings.

• Emergency protocols and check-ins must be made clear.

• All registered guides should receive proper training in first aid, weather assessment, and crisis management.

Safety isn’t about bureaucracy — it’s about ensuring that every climber who starts a journey also makes it home.

Guides Are Leaders, Not Just Navigators

The suspension of the two guides involved should not just be punitive but educational. It’s time to review the ethics and standards of mountain guiding in Malaysia. Being a guide means more than knowing the trail — it means understanding people, reading distress, and leading with empathy.

Empathy in the Wild

Too often, hikers are driven by the thrill of reaching the peak. But adventure is never a race. The true spirit of hiking lies in shared humanity — in waiting for the slowest, helping the injured, and valuing safety over pride.

The mountain doesn’t care who reaches first; what matters is that everyone returns together.

Learning from Loss

Mustaqqeem’s story should remind us that nature commands respect — not conquest. Perhaps this tragedy can spark a culture shift, where outdoor adventure is paired with preparation, compassion, and humility.

Because no summit, no photo, and no achievement is worth more than a life.

The mountain teaches us many things — but above all, it reminds us that the greatest climb is learning to care for one another.