200 join Mt Kinabalu simulation exercise

Ranau: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew said it is crucial for all concerned parties to be always ready for any untoward incidents that could jeopardise the safety of people.She said the search and rescue (SAR) simulation exercise on Mount Kinabalu is a pro-active action by Sabah Parks (TTS) to strengthen the effectiveness and co-ordination of rescue agencies involved in the event of disaster in the area.

The simulation exercise, she added, would also improve the standard operating procedure (SOP) of mountain rescue and would reduce the response time.

"In addition, this simulation will also provide confidence to climbers that the World Heritage Site is safe for climbing," she said at the closing of the simulation exercise at Kinabalu Park, near here, Tuesday night.

The text of her speech was read out by Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Assafal P Alian.

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The second SAR simulation exercise involved more than 200 rescuers from various agencies, including fire and rescue department, police, TTS, Kinabalu Mountain Guides Association, National Disaster Management Agency, Sabah Health Department and Civil Defence Department.

"In the simulation, besides the rescue of victims at the Ranau Trail, it also involved the rescue of victims in the Via-Ferrata area and the use of the Kota Belud Trail route as an alternative if the Ranau Trail is disconnected or vice versa," she said.

Christina said the main challenge of rescue personnel at a height of more than 3,000 metres above sea level is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or mountain disease, constantly changing and cool weather conditions, alongside steep topography conditions that challenge the physical and mental resilience of every member of the mountain rescue team.

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"Such challenges and responsibilities must be addressed by every rescuer. Thus, the success of both SAR Simulation Series ensures the level the readiness and knowledge of SAR personnel on the rescue in Mount Kinabalu has been improved," she said.

Also present were Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sabah Parks, Datuk Seri Dr Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mahamood, Director of Sabah Parks, Dr Jamili Nais, Sabah Fire and Rescue Director, Hj Nordin Pauzi, Ranau Police Chief, DSP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, Kinabalu Park Manager, Yassin Miki and others. - Clarence George Dol

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