Croatian climber Mauro Persic has expressed regret after spending eight days alone on Mount Kinabalu following an injury sustained during a solo ascent. The 46-year-old was rescued in a multi-agency operation after suffering injuries to his right leg and ribs, along with minor wounds to his hand.

In a post on Facebook, Persic described the experience as humbling and said it reinforced his belief in human compassion. He specifically mentioned the efforts of rescuers and porters who carried him down the mountain once he became too weak to continue on his own. Persic highlighted the dedication of a young porter, believed to be around 15 years old, who endured considerable physical strain while assisting him.

Authorities have called for stricter enforcement of Mount Kinabalu regulations following the incident. Sabah Deputy State Secretary Datuk Jamili Nais suggested that imprisonment could serve as a deterrent for individuals who disregard safety rules on the mountain.

Separately, concerns have emerged regarding the reported capture of a red-bellied piranha at Klau Dam in Raub, prompting the Pahang Fisheries Department to launch an investigation. Roslan Abu Hasan, the department’s director, said the claim originated from an angler’s social media post detailing the alleged discovery. While the report raised alarms about the presence of a predatory fish species native to the Amazon River basin, authorities remain cautious, noting that the identification may be inaccurate. Social media posts also indicated that the specimen may differ from the red-bellied piranha, Pygocentrus nattereri, which has reportedly been found in Klau Dam previously. Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant as investigations continue.