KOTA KINABALU: Theirs is never a simple and straightforward job.
“What you thought was just a ‘go and return home’ operation turned into a five-day mission,” said a mountain guide who only wanted to be identified as RY.
He was referring to the search operation for a 46-year-old Croatian man who fell while scaling Mount Kinabalu last month.
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RY said the operation was difficult due to unclear location, weather conditions and the steep and slippery terrain.
Although they had their plans laid out, the 38-year-old said the actual condition along the way made it difficult.
“Furthermore, we did not have enough food and water, so we had to ration and share what we had among 43 rescuers.”
When the man was eventually rescued, “we breathed a sigh of relief,” said RY.
Some of the mountain guides and rangers shared the view that trekkers who disregard local laws should pay for rescue initiatives if they get into trouble during unauthorised climbs.
They pointed out that the locals regard Mount Kinabalu as sacred. Its Kadazandusun name is “Aki Nabalu” which means it is a revered place of the ancestors.
Ranger and guide Daikin Anam, 44, said the government had allocated funds for rescue initiatives “but most of the time, we feel that it is not enough to pay for the hardship and risks taken for someone else’s irresponsible acts”.
“We do our job with sincerity and commitment. But it is unfair to put our lives at risk for someone else’s recklessness.”
A mountain guide said they had been doing rescue work unquestioningly and “sometimes this could lead to people taking us for granted”.
“Maybe it is better to make them pay to be rescued, so that they abide by our rules and respect our customs,” he said.
Mauro Persic, the Croatian who was found on the eighth day of his disappearance following his unauthorised trek, later acknowledged the huge risk he took and the burden placed on the locals.
“A broken body, and 40 people risking their lives to save one. But still, I’ve seen the very best of humanity showing up these days: generosity, kindness and care,” he wrote on social media after his venture into the remote, uncharted eastern side of Mount Kinabalu.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said heftier penalties are being considered for those who climb Mount Kinabalu or enter protected parks in Sabah without permits.
These additional measures, including effective mechanisms to monitor high-risk routes on Mount Kinabalu, were necessary to prevent unauthorised climbs.
Such preventive steps were necessary, he said, citing last month’s case of the Croatian mountaineer who was fined RM25,000 by the Sabah Parks for the unauthorised trek.
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He said existing standard operating procedures (SOP) and regulations were generally adequate but cases of trespassing had highlighted the need for tighter controls and closer monitoring.
“Apart from Sabah Parks, tour operators should make SOP compliance briefings compulsory for tourists, including the need to obtain valid permits, use official routes and engage registered mountain guides.”
Jafry reiterated that Timpohon Gate is the only official route for climbers.
“The route from the Mesilau Substation via Layang-Layang to Low’s Peak was officially closed following the earthquake on June 5, 2015,” he added.
Other routes, including the Kotal and Bowen routes, and the trail from Kampung Kiau via Marai Parai to Gurkha Hut, were no longer open to ordinary climbers.
These routes are classified as extreme and high-risk, requiring considerable mental and physical endurance, and technical skills.
Several park rangers and mountain guides have voiced support for stiffer penalties on those who deliberately trespass or encroach on restricted areas.
