RANAU: The current high temperature and unusually dry weather in the district are affecting climbers of Mount Kinabalu, with two local climbers suffering complications, recently.
In the 1.36pm incident, the victims - an 18-year-old female and a 19-year-old male - suffered foot injuries at Km 3 while descending Mount Kinabalu with their mountain guide.
A Mosar (mountain search and rescue) team rushed to the scene after being informed by the guide of the incident.
Ranau Fire and Rescue Department Chief PPgB Ridwan Mohd Taib said the victims were unable to continue their climb on their own.
“The Mosar team comprising five members led by PB Neil Thompson decided to bring down the victims by using the piggyback-carrying technique to the Timpohon Gate area where an EMRS (emergency medical response service) vehicle was waiting.
“The victims were then rushed to the Ranau Hospital for further treatment and the operation ended at 6.54pm,” he said.
Ridwan advised future climbers to do self-health assessment before climbing Mt Kinabalu.
He said they must be prepared mentally and physically, and only bring along suitable and necessary items.
He said the two victims became the third and fourth for April 2022 and the 25th and 26th victims of injuries on Mount Kinabalu this year.
In January, eight climbers suffered various injuries while climbing Mount Kinabalu.
In February, there were 10 reported injuries, four in March and also four in April.
