Kota kinabalu: A 43-member search and rescue (SAR) team successfully brought down a Croatian climber who fell while climbing Mount Kinabalu in a five-day SAR operation that ended late last night.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohd Pisar Aziz said the victim, identified as Mauro Persic, 46, sustained injuries to his right leg and right ribs, as well as minor cuts to his hands, in the incident. The department received information about the incident at 5.10 pm last Sunday (Sept 6), before fire and rescue personnel and vehicles arrived at the scene at 5.38 pm.

The process of bringing the victim down from the site could only be carried out in stages through five team zones starting at 7.07 am yesterday, as the team had to navigate a challenging two- to three-kilometre route, in addition to unfavourable weather conditions. The SAR team also endured rainy weather throughout the journey before safely arriving at KM6.5 Platform at 3.21 pm to continue bringing the victim down from Panalaban to Timpohon Gate at the foot of Mount Kinabalu.

Mohd Pisar mentioned that the victim was brought down the mountain trail using the piggyback carry method with a body harness carrier. Health Ministry (MOH) personnel provided initial medical treatment to the victim upon arrival at Timpohon Gate at 7.06 pm. The victim was subsequently taken to Ranau Hospital at 7.22 pm for further treatment. The operation commander confirmed that all SAR personnel and the victim had safely arrived at Timpohon Gate before the operation was officially concluded at 10 pm last night.

The rescue team comprised personnel from the JBPM, including the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Malaysia (STORM) and Mountain Search and Rescue (MOCSAR) team, as well as mountain guides, porters, and rangers. The operation also received assistance from Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel, as well as Sabah Parks staff.