Penang Hill’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is coming under increasing strain from high visitor numbers, with Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) reporting littering, wildlife disturbance and unauthorised camping among the most pressing issues.
PHC General Manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said most visitors are responsible, but some stray into restricted areas and disturb native flora and fauna.
“Littering, feeding animals, improper waste disposal and inappropriate use of public spaces pose ongoing management challenges.”
— Datuk Cheok Lay Leng, PHC
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Wildlife at risk
Human-wildlife interaction is a growing concern. Visitors have been approaching and feeding protected species such as the dusky leaf langur, creating safety risks for both the animals and people.
Camping is not permitted in public spaces and common areas on Penang Hill, including forested areas and sensitive zones within the biosphere reserve. PHC has recorded isolated cases of unauthorised camping and cooking in restricted areas.
Education and enforcement
PHC is tackling the problem through education, community engagement and enforcement. The corporation has installed educational signage, runs nature classroom programmes, and works with hiking groups and local communities.
Inter-agency collaboration with the State Forestry Department and State Wildlife and National Parks Department is being used to address legal breaches. Monitoring includes cameras, ground patrols, staff observations and reports from hikers.
The core challenge remains balancing public access with the protection of the hill’s ecological and heritage landscape.
Source: The Star
