Sabah looks into new trails to scale Kinabalu

Routes via Kiau and Melangkap-Kapa being studied to relieve congestion at base camp

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is looking into two alternative trails to the peak of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia and a favourite for climbers and tourists.

A new route could reduce congestion at Laban Rata, the current base camp from where climbers set off to the peak, said assistant tourism minister Pang Nyuk Ming.

The matter had been raised in the State Assembly on Thursday when Jeremy Malajads (Kadamaian) had asked if the government would consider opening a route from western Kota Belud via Kg Kiau.

Pang said an initial study showed that the Kiau route was too steep and dangerous, besides being too close to the current one, Star Online reported.

A more suitable route might be via Kg Melangkap-Kapa which would take seven days, Pang was quoted as saying.

The government was studying all factors as well as the readiness of Sabah Parks to carry out search and rescue operations, and the need to prepare basic infrastructure and provide water supply.

“All factors must be taken into account before a new route can be opened up,” he said.

Applications to scale the mountain via Kg Kiau would be considered under the Extreme Expedition category, he said.