KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Parks assures climbers that Mount Kinabalu remains safe to climb even when there is water gushing down from the peak following heavy rainfall.
Commenting on the recent water cascading from the peak, its director, Dr Maklarin Lakim said that it was only the second time it happened this year, although it is a natural phenomenon.
"We have our own safety system, which includes barriers, via ferrata ropes, mountain search and rescue specialists, and a guide who is now responsible for only five people rather than the previous 15 people," he told the media during the National Geopark Development Plan at a hotel here.
Maklarin said that it was impossible for Sabah Parks to close the trail to the summit, as climbers would want to reach Low's Peak.
He added that if it was raining around 1am to 2am, they would definitely halt the climbing activity to the summit from Panalaban.
"However, when it rains heavily around 4am or 5am, there is nothing to be done as climbers are already midway to Low's Peak.
"As they descend, that rainwater will form a 'waterfall' due to the glacier surface, leading to 'flooding.'
"If such a situation happens, we normally wait for the water to flow until it finishes, but people usually do not want to wait at the peak as it is too cold," he said, adding that the safety measures had prevented any untoward incidents so far.
Maklarin acknowledged that the public was inevitably concerned after seeing the footage, but he thought that some climbers could be enjoying the "extra challenges" when the phenomenon occurs.
"Even without the gush of water, climbers who are up on the mountain would have that tired face. That is why viewers (were worried about the situation).
"It was only the photo that generated such a perception, but climbers may love it as one of the challenges, and they may be content with the thrilling experience.