RANAU: A British climber died after he was found unconscious while descending from the summit of Mount Kinabalu on Tuesday.
The climber, in his 70s, was found unconscious at Km 8.2 after the Sayat-Sayat Check Point.
Ranau Fire and Rescue Station Chief Ridwan Mohd Taib said the station received an emergency call regarding the incident at 7.17am via the station line.
A team of five officers and personnel, including the Mountain Search and Rescue Team (Mosar), mountain guides and ParkSAR members, were deployed to the location.
“Upon arriving at the scene, the team provided initial treatment and then lifted the victim to Panalaban Hut.
“The victim was then brought down to Timpohon Gate using a ‘Robinson stretcher’. Afterwards, the victim was handed over to the Ministry of Health Ambulance for further action,” he said.
According to Ridwan, it was the seventh in February and 11th for 2025. In January, four climbers suffered various injuries while climbing Mount Kinabalu.
Ridwan reiterated his advice to all would-be climbers to take a serious assessment of their health before climbing Mount Kinabalu.
He said there must be mental and physical preparations, and only bring along suitable and necessary items.
He also advised climbers scaling Mount Kinabalu to be extra careful during the current rainy season because the ground surface and rocks are more slippery than during normal weather.
“Always climb in groups, don’t walk alone and make sure to be attentive to what the guides advise to avoid any untoward incidents,” he said.
