A Croatian hiker was fined RM25,000 after being rescued from an unauthorized route on Mount Kinabalu in Sabah earlier this month. Mauro Persic, 46, was charged for trespassing into Kinabalu Park and settled the maximum fine last Friday.

Persic, who resides in London, denied any intention to evade park fees and described his climb as a spontaneous decision motivated by the mountain’s beauty. In a social media statement, he said his desire to explore Kinabalu arose suddenly after seeing it firsthand, and that he did not fully consider the consequences before starting the ascent.

The hiker emphasized his respect for the environment throughout the climb, stating that he left no trace behind and intentionally avoided prominent peaks out of consideration for the mountain’s cultural and spiritual importance to the indigenous Kadazandusun community. Persic offered an apology to the people of Sabah for any offense caused by his actions, stressing that he never intended disrespect toward the local culture, community, or the mountain itself.

Persic shared photos from his route, which followed the Mesilou River on Kinabalu’s eastern plateau, highlighting the region’s granite formations, diverse vegetation, and mist-covered peaks. He described the area as a harmonious and largely unspoiled ecosystem in a small radius, expressing occasional feelings of being an intruder in this natural environment.

The incident came to light on September 6 when Persic sent an SOS after sustaining an injury and becoming stranded on a ledge along a steep slope. A complex rescue operation ensued, with teams navigating difficult terrain and poor weather conditions to locate and retrieve him. It took rescuers four days to bring Persic safely to the ground, employing physically demanding techniques including piggybacking him down the slope.

Authorities reiterated the importance of adhering to established park protocols, warning that unauthorized exploration not only endangers individuals but also places rescue personnel at significant risk. The case underscores ongoing challenges in balancing visitor interest with conservation and cultural sensitivity at Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and revered landmark in Sabah.