Climbers paying more now to scale Mount Kinabalu
Published on: Friday, January 23, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: Climbers are paying more to scale Mount Kinabalu from Jan 1 after a revision was made to raise the fees of mountain guides last year. The move came following a request made by Persatuan Malim Gunung Kinabalu two years ago after it felt the then rates were no longer enough to sustain its over 300 members' cost of living. A release made available by Sabah Parks showed the guide rates had increased by 17.2 per cent from the Timpohon and Mesilou entry points.
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Much higher rates were earlier proposed but a study conducted by the agency showed that most guides still lacked certain "adequate" competencies, hence the rates were only increased as such. The last time the rates were revised was in 2010. Mount Kinabalu guides are earning roughly RM960 a month, considered one of the lowest in the region, and guides also have to account for their own insurance. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Sabah Parks has passed on the rates to the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta).
