Mount Kinabalu training centre faces calls to halt work over indigenous, environmental concerns

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 3 — Construction of a high-altitude training centre on Mount Kinabalu is facing scrutiny from indigenous groups and tourism stakeholders over its environmental impact, approvals and lack of consultation with communities with customary ties to the mountain. Controversy erupted after images of structures and drilling were posted online, prompting calls for authorities to clarify the project's nature and purpose.

The project, which had previously been deferred due to an earthquake, was revived in 2025 and officially launched, aiming to provide accommodation and facilities to support mountaineering activities. The development's construction uses lightweight, prefabricated materials to minimize environmental disturbance, and the structures are designed to withstand strong winds at higher elevations.

The project's approval from the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees and the Mount Kinabalu Native Customary Advisory Council has been challenged by the Dayak International Organisation (DIO), which calls for all construction activities to cease, citing violations of indigenous customary law protected under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).