RANAU: The number of climbers in Mount Kinabalu falling victim to injury or other complications reached 17 since January, with two more during the weekend.
Ranau Fire and Rescue Department Chief Ridwan Mohd Taib said one of the victims suffered from joint injury while the other from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
The first incident happened at 9.30am on Saturday at the stairs leading towards Panarlaban, involving an adult Iban male who suffered a muscle injury after climbing down from the summit.
“In the first incident, our PBB Auxiliary Fire Officer Mountain Search and Rescue (MoSAR) team received a report from the Malim Gunung concerned regarding a male climber who was unable to descend due to muscle or joint injuries related to gout.
“The MoSAR team, together with Sabah Park rangers, gave initial treatment by installing arm tape on the injured muscles before being taken down to Timpohon Gate using a Robinson Stretcher.
“The victim who appeared still unable to walk, was then sent to his group’s BTN Kundasang Accommodation centre using EMRS machinery and the operation ended at 5.16pm,” added Ridwan.
The climber with gout being carried to the base
Meanwhile, a Malay female suffered AMS in Pondok Mempening at 5pm on Saturday.
“The PBB Mosar received a report that there was a victim who unable to walk on her own due to suffering from signs of breathing difficulty and sprained legs.
“The Mosar team together with the Sabah Park Rangers gave initial treatment to the victim. Next the victim was brought down to Timpohon Gate using a Robinson Stretcher.
“The victim was also sent to the BTN Kundasang Accommodation cenre using EMRS machinery and the operation ended at 9.30pm,” said Ridwan.
