KOTA KINABALU: A groundbreaking scientific expedition aimed at further exploring the 24-kilometre stretch from the Marai Parai highland to the Gurkha Hut at the summit of Mount Kinabalu, has seen an impressive turnout, with a record-breaking 216 participants.
Marai Parai – Gurkha Hut 2023 Scientific Expedition organising chairperson Vanielie Terrence Justine said this massive assembly comprised representatives from 10 government agencies, higher learning institutes, Sabah Parks, and guides and porters from Kampung Kiau.
"With a diverse range of expertise among the participants, the expedition aimed to amass a wealth of scientific data and findings.
"These findings are expected to serve as valuable references and guidelines for future sustainable management plans for the Marai Parai area," said Vanielie, who also holds the role of an ecological research officer, emphasised the significance of this scientific endeavour.
The 14-day expedition, which commenced on Oct 7, marked a continuation of efforts to explore the potentials of the Marai Parai trail that date back more than a century.
Marai Parai, which translates to a type of grass in the Dusun language, is a highland region located northwest of Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia.
The area boasts historical importance in Mount Kinabalu's exploration, with its first documented ascent by Sir Hugh Low and Sir Spenser St. John in 1858.
Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim said provided historical context, revealing that the first scientific expedition to Marai Parai took place in 1983, and the tradition continued through the fifth expedition in 1993.
"The parks and Kampung Kiau mountain guides Marinus Kutot, and Sadim Miki had conducted a mission to search for and re-survey the route between March 7 and 10, 2020.
"Safety measures, including rope installation and monitoring, were also carried out by the Marai Parai Expedition Safety Committee, led by Daikin Anam, on Sept 25 this year.
Lakim praised the current expedition as a significant achievement in their quest to identify and study the Marai Parai route leading to Mount Kinabalu's summit.
The research conducted during the expedition encompassed various fields, including biology, geology, sociology, hydrology, and biodiversity.
Lakim also stressed that this comprehensive approach reflects their commitment to understanding and preserving this unique area, potentially paving the way for developing eco-tourism products along the trail.
This historic scientific endeavour promises to yield a trove of knowledge and insights, reinforcing the significance of Marai Parai and its role in the ongoing exploration and preservation of the majestic Mount Kinabalu.