Kota Kinabalu: The construction activities recently highlighted on social media at Mount Kinabalu are part of approved development of the High Altitude Training Centre (HATC), aimed at improving mountaineering facilities while ensuring environmental conservation and respect for the mountain’s cultural significance.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the initiative was planned with due consideration to preserve Mount Kinabalu’s natural environment and cultural heritage.
He said the development involves the provision of basic accommodation facilities to support specialised high-altitude training and mountaineering activities.
“This is not a newly conceived or unplanned development. The HATC was originally proposed under the Kinabalu Park Development Plan in 2015, but its implementation was deferred following the earthquake that year.
“The initiative was subsequently revived and officially launched in 2025 as part of Sabah’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and strengthen its position as an internationally recognised mountaineering destination,” he said.
The project had obtained necessary approval from the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees, as well as the endorsement of the Mount Kinabalu Native Customary Advisory Council.
He said the involvement of the customary advisory body reflected the importance placed on respecting the cultural and spiritual significance of Mount Kinabalu to indigenous communities.
“Mount Kinabalu is more than a tourism destination. It is an important part of Sabah’s natural and cultural heritage, deeply connected to the traditions, beliefs and identity of our indigenous communities. Any development within this environment must recognise and respect these values. Economic opportunities and tourism advancement must never come at the expense of our cultural heritage,” he stressed.
Addressing concerns over the environmental implications of the construction, Jafry explained that the development utilises lightweight, prefabricated and modular building materials intended to minimise disturbance to the surrounding environment.
The structures are designed to withstand the strong winds and challenging weather conditions experienced at higher elevations, while avoiding the use of heavy machinery during construction.
“The construction approach has been carefully considered to minimise environmental disturbance while ensuring that the facilities are structurally secure and suitable for high-altitude conditions.
“Environmental protection remains a fundamental priority. We will not compromise the ecological integrity of Mount Kinabalu in the pursuit of tourism development,” he said.
Jafry further stressed that the Ministry would ensure that all construction activities strictly adhere to the approved specifications, applicable environmental requirements and relevant laws and regulations.
“While the project has received the necessary approvals, this does not exempt any party from complying with the established conditions, technical specifications and regulatory requirements.
“The Ministry will ensure that all approved specifications are met accordingly and that the implementation of the project remains consistent with the environmental and safety standards expected within such a sensitive and internationally significant natural heritage site.
“We will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any party found to have violated the stipulated conditions or failed to comply with the relevant laws and regulations,” he warned.
Jafry further explained that the HATC is intended to provide a specialised training environment for mountaineers preparing for expeditions to higher-altitude destinations, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua and Mount Everest.
The facility will support altitude acclimatisation, technical mountaineering training and familiarisation with specialised climbing equipment, offering opportunities for both domestic and international climbing communities.
He said Mount Kinabalu possesses a distinct advantage due to its accessibility, established mountaineering infrastructure and internationally recognised geological landscape.
“With its proximity to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Mount Kinabalu offers a relatively accessible and cost-effective environment for specialised mountaineering training.
