Jvy documents his daily routine on his TikTok and Instagram accounts as a way to share his journey with the people. — Photo: JVY MIUS
For nearly a decade, Sabahan porter Jvy Mius has been transporting heavy goods up the state’s tallest mountain.
Carrying massive loads on his shoulders from Timpohon Gate (commonly known as the start of the climb up Mount Kinabalu) to Laban Rata in Kinabalu Park, the journey is a challenging one – a 6km uphill climb over rough and rugged terrains.
In an interview, Jvy said that the trek takes nearly five hours one way without any hiccup along the way, like a sudden storm. Descending after unloading the necessities only requires about two to three hours.
The 28-year-old porter is accustomed to this strenuous work. Growing up in a remote village in Kundasang, where there weren’t any school buses, Jvy has had a fair bit of experience navigating steep slopes from a young age.
“I had to walk over 1.3km to and from my school that was situated 850m above sea level. My home in Kampung Waang was at an altitude of 950m,” he shared.
He continued: “Going to school was a piece of cake, but returning home was a different story ... it was exhausting.”
Little did he realise that all the climbing he did during those days was, in fact, training for his career.
Becoming a porter, Jvy explained, was the only way he could help alleviate his father’s burden, who was then funding his siblings’ education. A knee injury that befell his father forced him into early retirement, leaving the family of six in a precarious financial situation.
Armed with words of encouragement from his uncle and older brother (both of whom are also porters), Jvy decided to take on his father’s mantle.
— Photo: JVY MIUS
Typical day at work
Jvy’s work routine begins at dawn. Before heading into the forest, he picks up the day’s supplies at the Persatuan Porter Gunung Kinabalu Sabah (PPGKS), located near his rented home at Kinabalu Park.
Currently, there are about 60 registered members with PPGKS. The items each porter carries vary each day and are assigned by the association.
These items may include kitchen essentials (including gas cylinders), accommodation logistics (doors, bed frames) and construction materials (cement slabs).
“The load is securely fastened to a long wooden plank (called the ‘salabit’ in Dusun), which rests on our backs – similar to a backpack, except this is larger and heavier,” he explained.
Using a salabit helps porters manage their heavy loads, as it is “strapped to our forehead, waist, and shoulders to evenly distribute the weight”.
Jvy added, “The journey is arduous, especially when you are carrying a bulky load weighing over 70kg on your shoulders. So, you’d want the hike to be as pleasant and comfortable as possible.”
Proper weight distribution can significantly ease discomfort, he emphasised.
Porters are also responsible for any damage to the items during transport. “We have to ensure the items arrive in the same condition in which they were picked up.”
However, during the rainy season, the task becomes a tad challenging. “We must tread carefully in the forest,” he cautioned.
The rocky paths get slippery and muddy, making traversing them dangerous, even for seasoned climbers.
Besides pouring rain, porters must contend with the scorching sun and strong wind – “... challenges we have to face in our work every day”.
Ascending from 1,869m to 3,286m also means battling lower oxygen levels in the air.
While there is medication available for treating altitude sickness, this condition indubitably presents another challenge to his job, Jvy said.
“Altitude illness can affect mountain climbers and skiers, causing headaches, dizziness and nausea.”
Despite the laborious nature of their job, porters merely earn between RM2,000 and RM4,800 per month, depending on the weight of the load.
A few months ago, Jvy’s knee problems temporarily sidelined him from work. He spent nearly a month recuperating with weekly physiotherapy sessions. “During this period, I had no choice but to rely on my savings.”
These minor setbacks had a silver lining – it brought him closer to his work.
“Being away from my job made me realise how much it means to me and how much I enjoy doing it.”
The most rewarding aspect of the journey, Jvy said, is the breathtaking scenery that unfolds each step he takes. “The ‘burdens’ melt away the moment you set your gaze upon the beautiful landscape. It’s therapeutic to the mind and soul.”
— Photo: JVY MIUS
More than meets the eye
A porter’s responsibilities extend beyond merely transporting goods. During the 2015 earthquake that struck Kota Kinabalu, for instance, Jvy recalled that many porters, including himself, rushed to assist the rescue teams.
“We helped injured climbers who were stranded on the mountain. We also carried down the bodies of those who unfortunately did not survive the earthquake,” he added.
Aside from that, Jvy mentioned that picking up trash left behind by irresponsible visitors often comes with the job as well. Maintaining the cleanliness of the surroundings is a way of preserving the natural beauty of Mount Kinabalu.
Although not many people are aware of the importance of a porter’s role, he said, “I am nonetheless happy to be able to contribute positively to both the people and the environment in any way I can.”
A large chunk of his daily routine as a transporter also involves interacting with climbers.
In fact, meeting people from near and far adds excitement to his work. “It gives me a spark of hope. The hikers I meet are friendly and often eager to take photos with me. Earlier this year, I even had chance encounters with popular personalities like Indonesian TikTok influencer Farida Nurhan and Malaysian TV presenter Hawa Rizwana Redzuan.”
Jvy has become quite a social media celebrity himself, gaining a following of nearly 400,000 on TikTok (@jvy_tenangisgood), where he documents his daily life.
What began as a leisure pursuit has inspired the porter to actively use the platform to raise awareness of his work.
“It is also packed with useful tips and it serves as a great resource for advice on climbing gear and weather updates,” he said.
When it comes to the growing tourism in his hometown, Jvy expressed a positive outlook on the increasing number of visitors.
This not only opens the door to job opportunities for the local community, but can also help showcase Sabah’s abundant natural wonders to visitors, Jvy explained enthusiastically.
