KUALA NERANG: The Puncak Janing eco-forest park here has been temporarily closed starting today following reports of a visitor contracting leptospirosis.
State Forestry Department director Muhammad Abdullah said the decision was made after a meeting with the Padang Terap district officer.
The affected individual is being treated at a hospital.
"We received information about an individual exhibiting symptoms of leptospirosis.
The district health office is investigating, and we are awaiting confirmation.
"The district health office has also been instructed to collect water samples from the area.
"We have temporarily closed the site to prevent visitors from entering until the situation is safe and under control," he said when contacted today.
Muhammad added that warning tape had been placed to keep the public out of the area.
"We urge villagers and the public to stay away until it is confirmed to be free of the disease. This closure is a precautionary measure.
"Department personnel have also been stationed at the site to prevent any trespassing," he added.
Checks at the eco-forest park found no visitors today as pathways were blocked off with tape attached with warning signs from the forestry department.
Earlier, the state Health Department shared a notice on Facebook regarding the closure of the recreational park starting today.