{
  "id": 7253419,
  "title": "Remorseful Croatian climber says Kinabalu ordeal renewed faith in humanity",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/remorseful-croatian-climber-says-kinabalu-ordeal-renewed-faith-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T05:18:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1532516/remorseful-croatian-climber-says-kinabalu-ordeal-renewed-faith"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia - Croatian climber Mauro Persic has expressed deep remorse over the risks he took during his eight-day ordeal on Mount Kinabalu. Despite sustaining injuries and being rescued by strangers, Persic believes the experience renewed his faith in humanity. The 46-year-old was rescued by a multi-agency team last week after becoming injured and too weak to continue his descent. Among those who left the deepest impression on Persic was an estimated 15-year-old porter who carried him down the mountain, causing him to feel every impact through the young porter's legs and knees. Persic shared that the rescuers and locals treated him with extraordinary kindness, providing food, chocolate, and snacks while keeping him company during the rescue operation. He expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, stating, \"Last gratitude from my heart to Bombas who I owe my life. You are all my brothers from another mother.\" However, Sabah Deputy State Secretary Datuk Jamili Nais emphasized that those who violate Mount Kinabalu's regulations should face jail time as a deterrent for others. Persic remains under police detention for treatment while the investigations into the incident continue.",
  "summary": "KOTA KINABALU: Croatian climber Mauro Persic has expressed deep remorse over the risks he took after spending eight days alone and injured on Mount Kinabalu, while saying the ordeal renewed his faith in humanity.",
  "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."
}