KOTA KINABALU: The death of a 45-year-old Mount Kinabalu climber on Tuesday (April 25) is believed to have been caused by acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, in extending her condolences to the family of the deceased Alexzander Kueh Check Boo, said he was pronounced dead at 4.30am at the Ranau district hospital.
She said in a statement that Kueh and his 35-year-old wife Ng Wee Peo successfully arrived at base camp lodging at Panalaban when she complained of a headache and breathing difficulties at 9pm.
“The Fire and Rescue Department’s Mountain Search and Rescue (Mosar) team gave her oxygen required for first aid," said Liew.
She added that rescuers decided to bring her down the mountain using a stretcher to the entrance of the climbing trail at the Timpohon Gate and then to the Ranau Hospital for further treatment.
“But at 2am at about two kilometres away from the Gate, the husband started experiencing breathing difficulties and muscle cramps, and he was subsequently carried via stretcher for the rest of the way," said Liew.
“Based on the symptoms, AMS was believed to be the cause and upon descent, both victims were sent to the district hospital for further treatment,” she added.
Liew said she has also requested Sabah Parks to assist the deceased’s family wherever necessary.
“The wife's condition was reported to be stable after she recovered from AMS,” added Liew.
For safety reasons, the Minister also advised future climbers to be more prepared physically before venturing to climb Mount Kinabalu.
