RANAU: Another two people suffered injuries while climbing Mount Kinabalu, bringing the total number of injured people to 20 thus far this year.
The latest incidents involved two local females, with one suffering Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and vomiting, and the other extreme muscle spasm to the left leg.
Ranau Fire and Rescue Chief PPgB Ridwan Mohd Taib (pic) said the PBB Auxiliary Fire Officer Mountain Search and Rescue (MoSAR) team had to be summoned and carry the victims down to safety.
“The first incident happened at Km 4, near Layang-Layang of the Mount Kinabalu trail, about 9.54am. Six rescuers stationed about 2km away led by PBK II (KUP) Jamri Salleh along with a park ranger rushed to the scene to attend to the victim.
“The victim was taken down to Timpohon Gate using a Robinson Stretcher and was later sent to the hospital using an EMRS vehicle for further treatment,” he said.
Ridwan said the second incident happened at the same area about 2.50pm and nine rescuers stationed about 4km away led by PBK II Mastin Suli along with two park rangers rushed to the scene to attend to the victim.
“The victim was also taken down to Timpohon Gate using a Robinson Stretcher. The woman, who refused to be sent to the hospital, followed the entourage to the National Park,” he said.
In January alone, seven female and one male climbers suffered various injuries while climbing Mount Kinabalu, and in February there have been 12 injuries thus far.
Ridwan reiterated his advice to would-be climbers to do a self-health assessment before climbing the mountain.
He said they must be mentally and physically prepared, and only bring along suitable and necessary items.
He also advised climbers to be extra careful during the current cold season because the ground surface and rocks on Mount Kinabalu are more slippery than during normal weather.
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