The Sabah government is reviewing new safety measures for Mount Kinabalu climbers, including a possible age limit, following the recent death of a British man in his 70s.
Safety measures under review
According to NST, State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew acknowledged the climber was elderly but said she lacked further details.
She plans to meet with Sabah Parks soon to discuss safety enhancements.
When asked if an age limit or medical clearance might be imposed, she confirmed these were among the options being considered.
She also stated that climbers should be responsible for their own insurance coverage.
Four climbers have died since 2023
Mount Kinabalu recorded 48,342 climbers in 2024, averaging 132 per day.
However, at least four climbers have died since last year.
The latest incident occurred on Feb 25, when a British man in his 70s was found unconscious at the 8.2km mark beyond the Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint.
Two weeks earlier, a 65-year-old Malaysian climber lost consciousness at Km5.5 and did not survive.
In June 2023, a 53-year-old man collapsed and died despite receiving CPR.
Two months later, a 54-year-old Malaysian woman suffered hypothermia while descending and later passed away.
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Mandatory health checks for high-altitude training
Last year, Sabah introduced the Mount Kinabalu High Altitude Training Centre, the first of its kind in Malaysia. Unlike regular summit climbs, this programme includes scaling four peaks above 3,900 meters.
Participants must undergo mandatory health checks, a requirement that may be extended to all climbers if new regulations are enforced.
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