Broga Hill has been a popular site for hiking enthusiasts over the last few years. If you're a newbie, your fellow kakis would probably bring you to this spot to pop your hiking cherry.

But this time, you may have to bring them to a different peak over the next few weekends because the state government is closing Broga Hill for three months to conduct restoration work.

Important Notice/Notis Penting Kindly inform Broga Hill, Semenyih will be closed for recreational and tourism activities starting today, 18th August 2017 until further notice. Memaklumkan bahawa Bukit Broga, Semenyih akan ditutup untuk aktiviti rekreasi dan pelancongan bermula hari ini, 18 Ogos 2017 sehingga suatu tarikh yang akan diumumkan #hikers#brogahill#semenyih#selangor

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This follows several recent cases involving encroachment and unauthorised land-clearing activities to plant rubber trees.

The Selangor authorities had received complaints from hikers and visitors at the end of July that the land was damaged with drone footage as proof.

“During a site visit by state assemblymen a fortnight ago, it was found that parts of the hill had been terraced off to plant rubber trees,” State Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Elizabeth Wong said.

The trees were reportedly planted by the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) since the end of 2016 to benefit the Orang Asli community living nearby.

The closure is crucial to restore the land back to its original state deemed safe for hiking.
According to Wong, JAKOA had received approval from the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) to plant the trees but they did not inform the state government.

The terracing around the hill has caused soil erosion and river pollution in the surrounding area. Hence, the closure of Broga Hilll is crucial to prevent visitors from falling or injuring themselves when hiking.

Restoration efforts will be done by the Public Works Department, Hulu Langat Land Office and the Kajang Municipal Council.

The work includes covering the slopes to stop erosion, constructing a berm drain on the terrace to ensure smooth water flow and planting signal grass to stop soil erosion.

The Selangor authorities expect to complete the restoration work in three months, depending on external factors. There will also be a new road to Broga Hill built for the benefit of visitors and hikers.

So guys, take the road less travelled and climb a different hill or mountain this weekend. Because Broga needs a break.