Kota Kinabalu: Croatian climber Mauro Persic was fined the maximum compound of RM25,000 for entering Mount Kinabalu without a permit through an unauthorised route, The Star reported.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said Persic paid the compound after Sabah Parks enforcement personnel briefed him on the offence and penalties under the Parks Enactment 1984 (Amendment 2024).
Jafry said Sabah Parks also informed Ranau police for record purposes and any further action, while Persic was briefed on Mount Kinabalu climbing rules, procedures and safety requirements after settling the compound.
Persic, who was discharged from KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital on Friday after recovering from leg and rib injuries sustained in a fall, had entered the mountain through the Mesilou River via an unauthorised route before sending an SOS on Sept 6.
The distress call triggered a four-day rescue operation that ended with rescuers carrying him down the mountain on Sept 10, and Persic has since apologised to the local community and acknowledged that he failed to give sufficient thought and consideration before undertaking the climb.
