Mount Kinabalu to reopen this Saturday

By Olivia Miwil - May 12, 2020 @ 12:15pm

Sabah Parks will be reopening Mount Kinabalu climbing activities this Saturday. - NSTP/Olivia Miwil

RANAU: Sabah Parks will reopen Mount Kinabalu on Saturday with100 climbers allowed at one time.

Its director Dr Maklarin Lakim said the number of climbers is half than the normal capacity to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Health Ministry.

"By having only 100 climbers-- excluding guides and porters-- the public can keep their social distance while climbing, including when they are resting at their accommodation.

"Although it is an outdoor activity, we encourage climbers to use face masks for additional safety," he told the New Straits Times, adding that other than mountain climb, indoor or events held at confined spaces are not allowed.

Although the state government had announced the reopening of recreational places on May 10, Maklarin said that the agency would need a week to sort out the new SOPs for climbing activities.

As for the climbing criteria, he said it is open to healthy locals or tourists whom had been in the state since the time Sabah barred visitors from outside the state.

Permit fee for a Malaysian adult is RM50, and RM30 for those below 18, while foreigners will have to fork out RM200 for adult and RM80 for child.

Additional fees include RM400 for accommodation and meal, RM7 for insurance and RM250 per guide.

"For six months until November, conservation fee will be given 50 per cent discount, too.

"The public can make their manual booking via Sabah Parks office but we will soon launch an online booking system," Maklarin added.