Paying for their recklessness

Penalising rule-breakers: As more and more hikers are venturing off designated trails for adventure and ‘social media-worthy’ views, some people are saying that they should pay for the cost of their rescue if they get into trouble in the wilds. — 123rf

AS more hikers venture off designated trails for adventure and “social media-worthy” views, debate is growing over whether those who knowingly break the rules should face consequences when things go wrong, potentially triggering costly and dangerous search and rescue (SAR) missions.

The debate follows Croatian climber Mauro Persic’s RM25,000 fine, the maximum penalty, for entering Mount Kinabalu illegally via an unauthorised route without a permit or local guide, before falling and prompting a four- to five-day rescue mission. Soon after, Sabah Parks announced it will strengthen controls and monitoring, and introduce effective mechanisms along high-risk routes on the mountain.