{
  "id": 6123388,
  "title": "Sabah welcomes feedback on Mount Kinabalu accessibility",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/sabah-welcomes-feedback-on-mount-kinabalu-accessibility",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T09:29:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1527668/sabah-welcomes-feedback-mount-kinabalu-accessibility"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is open to receiving suggestions on improving accessibility at Mount Kinabalu, but visitors must differentiate between facilities at Kinabalu Park and the challenging climb to the summit, according to Datuk Jafry Ariffin. Jafry, who serves as the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, clarified that the summit route is naturally steep, rocky, and physically demanding, which sets it apart from public facilities within Kinabalu Park when it comes to accessibility concerns. Responding to online reviews on Google about wheelchair accessibility and calls to lower the height of Mount Kinabalu, Jafry pointed out that these reviews gained significant traction on social media, leading some netizens to question the feasibility of such recommendations. Jafry emphasized that Kinabalu Park offers a range of experiences beyond summit climbing, such as appreciating its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and natural heritage. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and a part of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark, the park's international recognitions underscore its remarkable geological and biological importance. Jafry stressed that preserving the park's natural integrity while ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive visitor experience is the primary objective. He further noted that Sabah Parks will continue to evaluate and enhance accessibility in suitable public areas, taking into account safety, terrain, and conservation requirements. At 4,095 meters, Mount Kinabalu welcomed the 32nd International Climbathon last year as part of the Skyrunning World Series. In 2021, the Sabah government established Mount Kinabalu as the nation's inaugural High-Altitude Training Centre, which involves climbing four peaks surpassing 3,900 meters. Notably, researchers have discovered the world's largest pitcher plant species, Nepenthes rajah, and the Sumazau Orchid, scientifically known as Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, both of which are endemic to the Mount Kinabalu region.",
  "summary": "KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government welcomes constructive feedback on accessibility at Mount Kinabalu, but visitors should distinguish between facilities at Kinabalu Park and the physically demanding climb to the summit, said Datuk Jafry Ariffin.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}