JOHOR BARU: Three hikers who were rescued after they were stranded for more than eight hours at Tasik Biru, Kangkar Pulai, may face trespassing charges.
Johor Forestry Department director Datuk Salim Aman said they trespassed the Gunung Pulai Forest Reserve before making their way towards Sungai Emas heading to Tasik Biru Kangkar Pulai.
Sungai Emas, also known as Sungai Mas is located within the Gunung Pulai Forest Reserve.
Entering the area without permits, rangers or guides is stipulated as trespassing under the Johor National Forestry Enactment (Adoption) 1995.
The men aged 27, 28 and 35 are suspected of trespassing under Section 47 of the enactment.
They contacted the police on their mobile phone after they were unable to find their way out.
Salim said their statements were recorded and they were released on police bail. He said they will be investigated by the department for trespassing.
This was the second incident of trespassing at the same forest reserve in three days. On Saturday, a couple in their early 20s went missing for seven hours after deviating from their original route.
The Malaysian man and woman were found at the forest reserve area at 10.20pm.
The couple had also entered the forest reserve without permission.