Croatian climber fined RM25,000 for illegal Mount Kinabalu entry

 

Mauro Persic paid the maximum compound after entering the mountain through an unauthorised route without a permit earlier this month. FILE PIC

KOTA KINABALU: Croatian mountain climber Mauro Persic has been issued the maximum RM25,000 compound for illegally entering Mount Kinabalu.

The 46-year-old paid the compound after Sabah Parks enforcement personnel briefed him on the offence and provisions and penalties under the Parks Enactment 1984 (Amendment 2024).

The proceedings were conducted at the Operations Control Centre of the Operations and Enforcement Office at Sabah Parks headquarters here.

He was released after paying the compound in full, with all matters related to the case completed.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin was quoted in a news report as saying that Sabah Parks had also informed the Ranau police of the development for record-keeping and any further action.

Earlier this month, Persic entered Mount Kinabalu through the Mesilou River via an unauthorised route without a permit before falling and suffering leg and rib injuries.

More than 40 personnel from multiple agencies were involved in a five-day search and rescue operation after he alerted the authorities.

Persic has since apologised to the local community, acknowledging that he had failed to give sufficient thought and consideration before embarking on the climb. - NST