Sabah weighs new Mount Kinabalu routes, bans unauthorised trails

KOTA KINABALU: The government of Sabah is contemplating the creation of new trails on Mount Kinabalu, but unauthorized climbing paths will remain prohibited. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin revealed that the ministry has been investigating potential routes and areas for exploration even prior to the viral photographs shared by Croatian climber Mauro Persic showcasing less-traveled sections of the mountain.

Speaking at the 33rd Climbathon press conference, Jafry emphasized that any new route development would be evaluated based on safety and other relevant factors. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that any measures undertaken would benefit the local community and state residents. Jafry stressed the concern over the potential risks of using unauthorized trails for climbers' safety.

In a recent incident, 46-year-old Persic was involved in a five-day search and rescue operation after venturing on an unauthorized route via Sungai Mesilou without proper authorization, subsequently sustaining injuries and subsequently facing a fine of the maximum RM25,000 for his actions. Persic had captured images of remote areas of Mount Kinabalu, sparking interest and speculation among social media audiences about the possibility of these regions being opened to climbers in the future.