By: Muhamad Aliff Abdullah | muhamadaliff@upm.edu.my

Neglecting safety measures and the obsession with creating social media content have been identified as major factors contributing to the rise in emergency incidents in forests and recreational areas. Many visitors engage in outdoor activities without proper preparation, including failing to inform others of their location, ignoring weather conditions, and not carrying adequate safety equipment. The eagerness to capture photos and videos for social media also drives some individuals to take unnecessary risks by entering dangerous areas or unauthorized trails. These actions increase the likelihood of getting lost, injured, or stranded, often requiring search and rescue operations. The comments were shared by Muhamad Aliff Abdullah, Senior Pharmacy Assistant at the University Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FPV), who also serves as President of the Mountain Medicine Society Malaysia and President of the 7 Continents Exploration Club Malaysia (KE7B). He advised the public to prioritize safety in all recreational activities.

Read more at:

Bernama - https://bernama.com/bm/am/news.php?id=2562584 

Harian Metro - https://www.hmetro.com.my/amp/mutakhir/2026/05/1363520/sikap-pandang-remeh-obsesi-media-sosial-antara-punca-insiden-kecemasan-di 

Berita Harian - https://www.bharian.com.my/amp/berita/kes/2026/05/1564778/sikap-pandang-remeh-obsesi-media-sosial-antara-punca-insiden-kecemasan-di 

The Star - https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/05/29/social-media-trends-safety-lapses-contributing-to-hiking-emergencies-says-expert 

Date of Input: 29/05/2026 | Updated: 29/05/2026 | zafarul