Pay Mt Kinabalu porters better rates, Jafry tells accommodation operators

KOTA KINABALU: Porters ferrying goods for accommodation operators up Mount Kinabalu should be paid according to Sabah Parks rates, says state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.

He said there was disparity between the rates set for carrying goods for hikers and transporting goods for companies running accommodation facilities.

Sabah Parks porter service rates for mountain climbers is RM13 per kg (10kg minimum) but only RM5.50 per kg for carrying goods for accommodation operators Mountain Torq and Sutera Sanctuary Lodge.

Jafry said at an average of 35kg per climb and 15 ascents a month, a porter will make RM2,625 from accommodation operators.

However, he said following Sabah Parks rates, a porter can make RM3,450 a month with only 12 climbs.

"I hope the lodge operators align their payment structure for porters with the rates set by Sabah Parks," he said.

Payment rates for porters and mountain guides would be discussed from time to time to provide a better standard of living for them, he said after meeting with mountain guides and lodge operators, among others, here on Sunday (July 3).