Sabah Parks boosts emergency training, seismic monitoring

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KOTA KINABALU: Safety improvements have been implemented on Mount Kinabalu following the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that claimed 18 lives a decade ago.
Sabah Parks deputy director of operations, privatisation and development Maipol Spait said these include new high-altitude climbing training, enhanced emergency response procedures and formalising the role of mountain guides as first responders.
Earlier this year, the agency signed a memorandum of agreement with the Fire and Rescue Department to boost rescue coordination.
Disaster simulation training, introduced in 2016, continues to involve mountain guides, porters and government agencies.
Participants are trained in search and rescue, rope rescues, first response techniques, how to use automated external defibrillators and Glasgow Coma Scale assessments.
"Upcoming drills will focus on search-and-rescue responses under extreme weather conditions," Maipol told the New Straits Times.
"The earthquake gave us a profound and valuable experience, especially in strengthening our standard operating procedures for climbing safety on Mount Kinabalu."
Real-time seismic monitoring was also introduced, with detectors installed on Mount Kinabalu and in Kundasang.
Sabah Parks works with the Sabah Minerals and Geoscience Department to monitor seismic activity.
The state rebuilt accommodation facilities in Panalaban with seismic risks in mind and rerouted the Ranau summit trail to avoid high-risk zones. Stairs were added to vulnerable sections.
Two alternative trails, Kota Belud and Ranau, were built to support rescue missions.
While safety has been a key focus, cultural and community values remain central to Sabah Parks' mission. The Council of Indigenous Customs and Traditions of Mount Kinabalu was reactivated to advise on traditional beliefs and taboos linked to the mountain.
"We apply best management practices to involve local people in programmes that strengthen their spiritual and economic ties to the mountain," said Maipol, noting that many in the community work as guides or porters.
A quake gallery was established in Kinabalu Park to educate visitors and preserve the memory of the disaster.
Maipol said this year's earthquake commemoration ceremony would feature a disaster awareness and safety talk.
The annual ceremony, held at the Kiau View platform in Kinabalu Park, involves a moment of silence and a flower laying ritual at a monument made from rocks dislodged during the quake.
This year, experts will speak on seismic activity and disaster preparedness for the 1,000 visitors and tourists expected at the event.
The event is organised by Sabah Parks, the Ranau District Office and Mesilau Volunteers.
Last year, Mount Kinabalu recorded 48,844 climbers, up from 47,212 in 2022, reflecting a return of confidence among trekkers and tourists.