Latest news with #SabahParks
Daily Express
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Express
Mountain guides help 155 climbers through Mount Kinabalu waters
Published on: Friday, July 11, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Climbers fighting torrential streams during descent. RANAU: A total of 155 climbers were safely guided down Mount Kinabalu after torrents of water flowed down the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint area early Thursday morning. Sabah Parks confirmed that the climbers, along with staff, managed to cross the fast-flowing stream with the help of mountain guides and safety ropes after rain began at around 6.15am. The climbing route had been declared safe and opened at 3.26am following early morning weather monitoring by Park Search and Rescue (SAR) teams. However, the situation changed rapidly when strong winds and heavy rain caused torrents of water to rush through parts of the descent path. Mountain guides played a crucial role in assisting climbers through the water, urging them to stay calm and continue moving while holding onto ropes. Videos shared online showed the tense moments as climbers navigated the rushing water, prompting an outpouring of praise for the guides' actions and relief that everyone made it down safely. Ranau Fire and Rescue Chief Rantey Fred advised climbers to assess their fitness, prepare adequately, and be especially cautious during the rainy season, as weather at the summit can change without warning. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Straits Times
‘I could not feel my nose': Climber recounts stormy conditions while descending Mount Kinabalu
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Sabah Parks Director Datuk Maklarin Lakim confirmed that no one was injured. KOTA KINABALU - The cold winds and rain nearly overwhelmed climbers on Mount Kinabalu, who had to navigate strong river-like currents following a downpour on July 10. Fortunately, they were accompanied by exceptional mountain guides who provided calmness, guidance, and encouragement, along with porters who assisted in carrying personal belongings. Mr Norman Ng, 45, from Peninsular Malaysia, recounted how the cold made his fingers and toes feel painfully frozen. 'It was so hard to hold on to the rope as we climbed down the mountain because my fingers were so cold it hurt every time I held the rope,' he said after successfully reaching Timpohon gate. He recalled reminding himself to enjoy the moment, even though it was challenging, to maintain the strength and will to continue. 'I had to also keep reminding myself to be very careful, because the water currents were so strong,' Mr Ng said, adding that the wind and rain made it difficult to concentrate as his lips and nose were also cold. 'At some point, I could not feel my nose,' he said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Nuclear safety research gets boost with new institute, $66m funding as S'pore weighs energy viability Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term Singapore More than 14,300 people checked during 7-week-long anti-crime ops Singapore Over 150 e-bikes and other non-compliant mobility devices impounded in last 2 months: LTA Singapore Judge declines to void alleged sham marriage in S'pore, says it is for Parliament to decide Singapore S'porean who defaulted on NS obligations used fake Malaysian passports at checkpoints over 800 times Singapore Over 12,000 lower-income households to receive $60 in transport vouchers by end-July Business CEO salaries: At Singapore's top companies, whose pay went up and whose saw a drop? He expressed gratitude for his guide, known as Jemin, who, despite being worried about the climbers, displayed bravery and positivity to soothe and encourage them. 'They told us to walk slowly, take small firm steps, and not lift our feet too high for a stronger grip,' Mr Ng said. He mentioned a group behind him who nearly gave up due to the conditions but, with the encouragement of Jemin and two other guides, managed to descend to Sayat-Sayat and later, to Panar Laban. Mr Ng noted that the other guides had unique personalities that helped them through, one being energetic and the other so calm that it eased those who began to panic. 'If I come back next year, I hope to engage the same guides again,' Mr Ng said. Another climber expressed his gratitude to the guides for ensuring everyone's safe descent. 'It was a challenging descent but luckily our guides managed to help us. It was a bit tough above but once we made it to Sayat-Sayat, it was better and much easier,' he said. He added that by following the guides' advice, everyone stayed safe. Mr Ng and the other climber were among dozens of climbers who had to wade through strong water flows from the summit when a downpour hit Mount Kinabalu starting around 5am. Sabah Parks Director Datuk Maklarin Lakim confirmed that no one was injured and reminded all climbers to adhere to their mountain guides' guidelines and instructions at all times. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Star
11-07-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Climbers brave harsh weather on Mount Kinabalu with guide support
KOTA KINABALU: The cold winds and rain nearly overwhelmed climbers on Mount Kinabalu, who had to navigate strong river-like currents following a downpour on Thursday (July 10). Fortunately, they were accompanied by exceptional mountain guides who provided calmness, guidance, and encouragement, along with porters who assisted in carrying personal belongings. Norman Ng, 45, from Peninsular Malaysia, recounted how the cold made his fingers and toes feel painfully frozen. "It was so hard to hold on to the rope as we climbed down the mountain because my fingers were so cold it hurt every time I held the rope," he said after successfully reaching Timpohon gate. He recalled reminding himself to enjoy the moment, even though it was challenging, to maintain the strength and will to continue. "I had to also keep reminding myself to be very careful, because the water currents were so strong," Ng said, adding that the wind and rain made it difficult to concentrate as his lips and nose were also cold. "At some point, I could not feel my nose," he said. He expressed gratitude for his guide, known as Jemin, who despite being worried for the climbers, displayed bravery and positivity to soothe and encourage them. "They told us to walk slowly, take small firm steps, and not lift our feet too high for a stronger grip," Ng said. He mentioned a group behind him who nearly gave up due to the conditions but, with the encouragement of Jemin and two other guides, managed to descend to Sayat-Sayat and later, to Panar Laban. Ng noted that the other guides had unique personalities that helped them through, one being energetic and the other so calm that it eased those who began to panic. "If I come back next year, I hope to engage the same guides again," Ng said. Moroccan Mohamad, 37, expressed his gratitude to the guides for ensuring everyone's safe descent. "It was a challenging descent but luckily our guides managed to help us. It was a bit tough above but once we made it to Sayat-Sayat, it was better and much easier," he said. He added that by following the guides' advice, everyone stayed safe. Ng and Mohamad were among dozens of climbers who had to wade through strong water flows from the summit when a downpour hit Mount Kinabalu starting around 5am. Sabah Parks Director Datuk Maklarin Lakim confirmed that no one was injured and reminded all climbers to adhere to their mountain guides' guidelines and instructions at all times.
AsiaOne
11-07-2025
- Climate
- AsiaOne
Climbers battle torrential waters after flash floods hit Mount Kinabalu; all 155 persons safe, says park, Malaysia News
Going downhill can actually be tougher than the climb — especially when at the mercy of Mother Nature's whims. Climbers were seen struggling against the currents after a flash flood struck Sabah's Mount Kinabalu on Thursday (July 10) morning, according to a Facebook post by the mountain's booking and information centre later that day. "Heavy rain hit Mount Kinabalu this morning, creating strong streams along the trail," the video post stated. In the video footage taken by guides, rapid waters were seen rushing down the mountainside, crashing against the rocky surface of the mountain as climbers attempted to descend. Many were seen clinging on to a safety rope as they gingerly made their way down the mountain, all while the flash flood threatened to sweep them off their feet. "If you ever experience weather like this during your climb, stay calm and always follow your guide's instructions," the centre also stated in the video, which has since gone viral, amassing over four million views. Separately, Sabah Parks also confirmed in a Facebook post on Thursday that the flash floods started at around 6.15am after heavy rain caused water to surge across KM7 Check Point Sayat-Sayat, a final checkpoint before the peak. The mountain's search and rescue team as well as mountain guides deemed that the area was still safe for descent, utilising the safety ropes to traverse down the mountain. "All 155 climbers successfully crossed the rapids at approximately 7.48am," Sabah Parks wrote. Both Mount Kinabalu information centre and Sabah Parks stated that the weather conditions were safe prior to the descent. The weather took a turn for the worse around 6.15am, resulting in the flash floods, Sabah Parks explained, adding that they conduct daily monitoring as early as 2am to ensure safe a safe climbing environment. "Park rangers or rescue personnel will inform climbers of the closure of summit climbs should the weather remain unsafe," Sabah Parks stated. They added: "We advise climbers not to panic if they encounter similar situations. Climbers should always follow instructions from rescue personnel and mountain guides for everyone's safety." [[nid:718107]] khooyihang@
Malay Mail
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Mountain guides lead 155 climbers to safety as flash floods hit Mount Kinabalu (VIDEO)
KOTA KINABALU, July 11 — A total of 155 climbers on Mount Kinabalu were safely guided down by mountain guides early yesterday morning after sudden flash floods occurred at the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint due to heavy rainfall. Sabah Parks confirmed that the flash floods started at around 6.15 am, when torrential rain hit the summit area, causing a rapid surge of flowing water to sweep across the KM7 trail section, one of the final stretches before the peak. 'The SAR team, MOSAR, and mountain guides monitored the situation and determined the area was safe to pass using the safety ropes installed at the site. All 155 climbers successfully crossed the fast-flowing water by around 7.48 am,' they said in a statement issued last night. They said that weather monitoring precautions are carried out daily by Sabah Parks' SAR as early as 2 am to 3 am to ensure the environment is safe for climbers. 'If the weather remains unsafe, park rangers or SAR personnel will brief climbers and announce the closure of summit climbs,' said Sabah Parks, adding that such water surges were normal during heavy rain. 'On the day of the incident, Sabah Parks SAR had conducted weather monitoring and found the conditions to be safe. The summit trail was opened at 3.26 am. However, by around 6.15 am, the weather changed suddenly, with heavy rain and strong winds causing the formation of a flash flood at the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint,' they said. The descending climbers had to cross the flash flood area with assistance from the mountain guides. 'Sabah Parks has already established safety SOPs for climbers that take into account weather conditions on Mount Kinabalu. Climbs to the summit will be closed if weather conditions are deemed unsafe,' they said. 'We advise climbers not to panic if they encounter similar situations. Climbers should always follow instructions from SAR personnel and mountain guides for everyone's safety.' Videos showing the climbers being ushered across the waterlogged trail have been circulating online. Some claimed they were temporarily stranded due to the bad conditions. Mount Kinabalu, standing at 4,095 metres, is Malaysia's highest peak and draws hundreds of trekkers each week. Flash floods and extreme weather events have become more frequent due to changing climate patterns, prompting calls for tighter precautionary measures on the mountain trail.
