Mount Kinabalu’s safety regulations are under review following the recent death of a British climber, with authorities considering stricter measures, including age limits and medical clearance requirements.
The tragic incident occurred on 25 February when a British man in his 70s collapsed while descending the mountain. Found unresponsive near the Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint at the 8.2km mark, his passing has prompted state officials to reassess existing safety protocols.
Sabah’s Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, extended her condolences to the climber’s family, stating that Sabah Parks is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. “It is something we never want to see happen. We extend our sympathies to the family and have asked Sabah Parks to follow up,” she told the New Straits Times.
Photo via Bookatrekking.com
Authorities are now exploring the introduction of an age restriction or mandatory medical assessments for climbers. Liew also stressed the importance of personal insurance coverage, urging climbers to take responsibility for their own safety.
Sabah Parks Director, Dr Maklarin Lakim, confirmed that additional safety measures are being evaluated, including the possibility of mandatory stamina training. “We have existing SOPs and security measures in place, but we will study possible enhancements,” he told The Star.
The British climber’s passing is not an isolated case. Just two weeks earlier, a 65-year-old Malaysian man lost consciousness and died at the 5.5km mark of the trail. In 2023, two other climbers also lost their lives—one collapsed while trekking with his wife and friends, while another reportedly succumbed to hypothermia during descent.
With Mount Kinabalu attracting thousands of climbers each year—48,342 attempted the climb in 2024 alone—officials are under increasing pressure to ensure the safety of those undertaking the challenging ascent. Further discussions between state authorities and Sabah Parks are expected as they work to reinforce climber safety without diminishing the mountain’s appeal to adventurers worldwide.
