More than 200 Ranau villagers scale Mount Kinabalu

 By Olivia Miwil - December 2, 2021 @ 3:32pm

More than 200 villagers from here climb Mount Kinabalu for free in conjunction with Kinabalu Park World Heritage site's community day. - Pic courtesy of Sabah Parks.

RANAU: More than 200 members of the local community from 35 villagers here are scaling Mount Kinabalu for free in conjunction with the Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site's Community Day today.

Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim said among the group, 20 will ascend to the peak of the mountain while the rest were doing day trips.

"This activity during the 2021 Community Day demonstrates Sabah Parks' commitment in realising the community's wishes to carry on "Kakakapan id Gayo Ngaran" as it was put on halt in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Kakakapan Id Gayo Ngaran" was introduced in 2010 to give an opportunity for the community around Kinabalu Park to hike, stay overnight, or just visit.

"This time, local villagers were once again given the opportunity to climb and visit Mount Kinabalu to continue their spiritual relationship with the mountain," he said during the hybrid launch of the celebration here.

Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai officiated the launch.

The celebration also saw the community from Kampung Kiau and Kg Bundu Tuhan hold the centuries-old "monolob" ritual to ensure the safety of climbers.

Each of the participating villages in the district were also given the opportunity to conduct their own cultural performances.

"This means the Community Day celebration has become the best platform for the community to share and promote their different cultural heritage and traditional dances, costumes, delicacies and sports, most of which are in danger of being forgotten by the younger generation.

"I believe that such a programme can breathe new life and inspire the younger generation to revive and revitalise the endangered cultural heritage.

"This year's cultural performances, however, had to be limited as a sign of mutual support and commitment to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus," he added.

Sabah Parks also awarded recognition to mountain guides and porters who have helped in managing the tourists during their climbing expeditions.

A series of webinars were also conducted by experts to share knowledge and experience regarding Kinabalu Park and the community.