The Nantou County Government will appeal the state compensation ruling over a mountain rescue case, calling it highly unreasonable, said Magistrate Lin Ming-tsuen on the 3rd. The county will also draft the "Nantou County Mountain Hiking Management Autonomous Regulations" to establish penalties. Repeat offenders who trespass in mountain areas will be referred to legal authorities, with detention recommended.
Nantou County Fire Bureau Director Lin Cong-chi stated that after the court ruled the fire bureau was liable for inadequate rescue efforts and ordered state compensation, a hiker went missing on Qianzhuowan Mountain. Due to the chilling effect, local volunteer rescue teams were unwilling to join the search—showcasing how much such compensation rulings impact police and volunteer firefighters.
Lin Ming-tsuen said the county government will draft the "Nantou County Mountain Hiking Management Autonomous Regulations" within six months. The rules will prohibit solo climbs of high-altitude mountains, requiring groups of at least three to five people. Hikers must also register at local fire stations beforehand and rent satellite phones to facilitate subsequent contact and tracking.
Lin Ming-tsuen also emphasized that repeat offenders who recklessly enter high mountains and gamble with their lives will be prosecuted and face recommended detention. A few days in custody will teach hikers a lesson.
(China Times)