KOTA KINABALU: The state government will monitor closely the approved development of a High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) on Mount Kinabalu, says Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
He said the development utilises lightweight, prefabricated and modular building materials intended to minimise disturbance to the surrounding environment.
“The structures were designed to withstand strong winds and challenging weather conditions experienced at higher elevations, while avoiding the use of heavy machinery during construction,” he said when addressing environmental concerns about the development.
HATC was originally proposed under the Kinabalu Park Development Plan in 2015, but its implementation was deferred following the earthquake that struck Mount Kinabalu that year, he said.
He said the project was revived and launched last year as part of Sabah’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and strengthen its position as an internationally recognised mountaineering destination.
Jafry said the HATC was intended as a specialised training environment for mountaineers preparing for expeditions to destinations such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Everest.
The approved HATC development was an initiative designed to enhance mountaineering facilities while maintaining the highest regard for environmental conservation and the cultural significance of the mountain, he said.
In a statement yesterday, he said the project had obtained approval from the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees, as well as the endorsement of the Mount Kinabalu Native Customary Advisory Council to ensure that the work would respect the cultural and spiritual significance of Mount Kinabalu to the indigenous communities.
“(Mount Kinabalu) 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 added.
He said the construction approach had 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.
