KOTA KINABALU: Mountain climber Mauro Persic has been slapped with the maximum compound of RM25,000 for illegally trespassing into Mount Kinabalu.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the Croatian paid the fine after Sabah Parks enforcement personnel briefed him on the offence, as well as the provisions and penalties under the Parks Enactment 1984 (Amendment 2024).
Persic was discharged from KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital on Friday (Sept 18) after recovering from injuries sustained in a fall on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu.
Jafry said the issuance of the compound notice and settlement proceedings were handled by Sabah Parks prosecuting officer Roslizan Sallin, investigating officer Eddy Robert and the Sabah Parks Special Prosecution Team.
The proceedings were held at the Operations Control Centre of the Operations and Enforcement Office at the Sabah Parks headquarters here.
Sabah Parks has also informed the Ranau police of the development for record-keeping and any further action, he added.
After paying the compound in full, Persic was given a briefing on the rules, procedures and safety requirements for climbing Mount Kinabalu, including the need to comply with standard operating procedures and regulations set by Sabah Parks.
He was released after all matters related to the case were completed.
Persic entered Mount Kinabalu through the Mesilou River via an unauthorised route and without a permit, before falling and sustaining leg and rib injuries.
He sent out an SOS on Sept 6, prompting a four-day mountain rescue operation.
Rescuers successfully piggybacked him down the mountain on Sept 10.
Persic has since apologised to the local community, acknowledging that he failed to give sufficient thought and consideration before embarking on the climb.
