KOTA KINABALU: The rates for Mount Kinabalu porters bringing goods for accommodation operators needs to be more aligned with what is being charged by Sabah Parks to carry personal effects of hikers climbing the mountain.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said there was disparity between the rates set for carrying goods for mountain hikers and transporting goods for the companies that run accommodation facilities there.
Sabah Parks had set the rate for porter services for personal belongings at RM13 per kg, with a minimum weight of 10kg, he said in a statement yesterday.
The fee for carrying accommodation necessities for the operators – Mountain Torq and Sutera Sanctuary Lodge – was set at RM5.50 per kg.
Jafry said the average weight of goods carried by a porter is 35kg per climb, and if a porter climbs about 15 times a month, then the average income is RM2,625.
He said a Sabah Parks report showed that on average, a Mount Kinabalu porter climbed 12 times a month, and earned about RM3,540.
“I hope the lodge operators will align their payment structure with the fees set by Sabah Parks for porters,” said Jafry, adding that the rate for porters and mountain guides would be reviewed from time to time to improve their work as well provide a better standard of living for them.
Jafry met with the mountain guides and lodge operators, among others, last Sunday.
