Croatian mountain climber Mauro Persic has been fined RM25,000, the maximum compound, for illegally entering Mount Kinabalu without a permit.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said Persic paid the compound after Sabah Parks enforcement personnel briefed him on the offence and the penalties under the Parks Enactment 1984 (Amendment 2024).
Persic was discharged from KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital on Friday (Sept 18) after recovering from injuries he suffered when he fell on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu.
The compound notice and settlement proceedings were handled by Sabah Parks prosecuting officer Roslizan Sallin, investigating officer Eddy Robert and the Sabah Parks Special Prosecution Team.
The proceedings took place at the Operations Control Centre of the Operations and Enforcement Office at Sabah Parks headquarters. Jafry said the Ranau police had also been informed of the development for record-keeping and any further action.
After settling the compound in full, Persic was briefed on the rules, procedures and safety requirements for climbing Mount Kinabalu, including the need to follow Sabah Parks’ standard operating procedures and regulations.
Persic had entered the mountain through the Mesilou River via an unauthorised route without a permit before falling and suffering injuries to his leg and ribs.
He activated an SOS on Sept 6, triggering a four-day search and rescue operation. Rescuers eventually brought him down the mountain by carrying him on Sept 10.
Persic was released after all matters related to the case were completed. He has since apologised to the local community, admitting that he had not given sufficient thought and consideration before undertaking the climb.
