Rescued climbers grateful to guides

KOTA KINABALU: Climbers who faced rain and strong water flow while descending Mount Kinabalu praised their mountain guides for their exceptional strength, stamina, and experience. Gerrald Gilles anak Ahi, a journalist from Suara Sarawak, expressed admiration for his guide’s physique and tireless support throughout the journey. He also commended the effortless agility displayed by the guides and porters transporting food and gas cylinders up and down the mountain.

Gerrald shared his experience of encountering trouble due to heavy rainfall and subsequent runoff. He highlighted the reliance on their guides during challenging situations, as they instructed climbers to hold on tightly to ropes and proceed with caution to avoid being swept away by the strong water flow. Despite the difficulties, Gerrald expressed interest in attempting the climb again in the future to challenge himself.

Debbie Amanda Padan, an RTM reporter from Kuching, faced adverse weather conditions near Low’s Peak during sunrise. Although initially determined to continue the climb, her guide warned her of the dangerous conditions, and she decided to descend. She later realized the wisdom in her guide’s advice as heavy rain began to pour. Reflecting on her second unsuccessful attempt to reach the summit, Debbie expressed gratitude for her guide’s concern and emphasized the professionalism of the mountain guides.

Debbie, Gerrald, and two firemen from Sarawak were part of a media trip organized by the Kuching Division Journalist Association. Despite their limited experience, they witnessed the competence and expertise of the mountain guides during their journey. Tuesday’s downpour at Mount Kinabalu resulted in the formation of instant streams, but with the assistance of 37 mountain guides, all 115 climbers, including both local and international guests, were safely guided without any major incidents.