Don't Panic When Lost In The Jungle, Use 'Stop' Formula - Security Expert

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- Hikers who realise they have veered off the original trail are advised not to panic or walk aimlessly, but instead to practise the 'STOP' formula to increase their chances of being rescued.

Sime Darby Property Berhad's Head of Property Security Management, Major (Rtd) Hairulnizam Samuri, said the formula stands for Sit, Think, Observe, and Plan, which serves as a basic survival procedure in the jungle.

“When you realise you have gone astray, stop walking and sit down immediately. If you continue walking, the probability of wandering deeper into the jungle increases significantly.

“By sitting down and calming ourselves, we can prevent our adrenaline from spiking, which subsequently helps us think rationally,” he said, appearing as a guest on Bernama Radio’s Jendela Fikir programme here today, titled 'Safe Hiking, Meaningful Experience,' at Wisma Bernama.

Regarding the 'Think' element, Hairulnizam explained it involves reviewing the route taken, including the last known trail markers, direction of travel, and terrain before realising one was lost.

He said the next step is to observe the surroundings to ensure the area is safe and identify available resources such as food, water, medicine, and emergency equipment.

“When we know what resources we still have, we can make better and more realistic plans based on the current situation,” he said.

Hairulnizam, a Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) veteran, advised hikers against continuing their journey in the dark to avoid the risk of injury and more severe disorientation.

Commenting on the factors that frequently cause hikers to get lost, he said sudden weather changes, such as heavy rain and thick fog, as well as communication breakdowns within the group, are among the primary causes.

Furthermore, health factors such as extreme fatigue, muscle cramps, injuries, and panic can cause a person to lose focus and veer off the original trail.

He stressed that discipline within the group is also vital, including obeying instructions from the expedition leader, the guide, and the last hiker, who acts as a sweeper to prevent participants from being left behind.

To facilitate search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, Hairulnizam advised lost hikers to remain in a safe, open location so they can be spotted from the air.

“They can signal by spreading out a brightly coloured tent canvas or clothing, forming SOS symbols using stones or wood, as well as using smoke and light reflections from mirrors.

“For ground searches, hikers can leave clues such as arrow markers, snapped twigs, or markings on trees to help the rescue team track their path,” he said.

Touching on preparation before a hike, Hairulnizam said every hiker must carry basic equipment, including an emergency whistle, a pocketknife, a first-aid kit, a lighter, and emergency food and water.

“The jungle is never cruel to those who are prepared, but it can punish those who are complacent and take safety aspects lightly,” he said.

-- BERNAMA