KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will closely monitor the approved development of a High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) on Mount Kinabalu to ensure compliance with environmental and safety requirements, says Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
Addressing environmental concerns raised on social media, he said the project would use lightweight, prefabricated and modular building materials to minimise disturbance to the surrounding environment and avoid the use of heavy machinery.
The structures were also designed to withstand strong winds and challenging weather conditions at higher elevations.
“The construction approach has been carefully considered to minimise environmental disturbance while ensuring that the facilities are structurally secure and suitable for high-altitude conditions.
“Environmental protection remains a fundamental priority. We will not compromise the ecological integrity of Mount Kinabalu in the pursuit of tourism development,” he said on Sunday (Nov 1).
Jafry said all construction activities must adhere strictly to approved specifications, environmental requirements and relevant laws and regulations.
He stressed that obtaining approval did not exempt any party from complying with the conditions imposed on the project.
“We will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any party found to have violated the stipulated conditions or failed to comply with relevant laws and regulations,” he said.
He added that investigations would be carried out where necessary and enforcement action taken if any non-compliance was detected.
Jafry said the HATC was intended to improve mountaineering facilities by providing basic accommodation for specialised high-altitude training and mountaineering activities while safeguarding the mountain’s environment and cultural significance.
The project was first proposed under the Kinabalu Park Development Plan in 2015 but was deferred following the earthquake that struck Mount Kinabalu that year. It was revived and launched in 2025 as part of efforts to diversify Sabah’s tourism offerings and strengthen its position as an international mountaineering destination.
He said the development had received approval from the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees as well as the endorsement of the Mount Kinabalu Native Customary Advisory Council, reflecting the need to respect the mountain’s cultural and spiritual significance to indigenous communities.
“Mount Kinabalu is more than a tourism destination. It is an important part of Sabah’s natural and cultural heritage, deeply connected to the traditions, beliefs and identity of our indigenous communities.
“Any development within this environment must recognise and respect these values. Economic opportunities and tourism advancement must never come at the expense of our cultural heritage,” he said.
Jafry added that public discussion of the project should be based on accurate information and a clear understanding of its purpose and scope.
