KOTA KINABALU: September 8, 2026 — A Croatian climber, Mauro Persic, 46, was found safe today on the second day of a search and rescue (SAR) operation after he was reported missing while climbing Mount Kinabalu on Monday.
He used an village trail not managed by Sabah Parks, which significantly hampered efforts by SAR teams to track his whereabouts.
Persic is believed to have sustained several injuries, including a swollen and numb heel, a suspected fractured rib, lower back and hip pain, and a deep wound on his calf.
Six days prior to the incident, Persic had taken to Facebook to post about the mountain, complete with a photograph of its majestic view.
“Kinabalu. Mountain of the mind. At sunset it looks like a cut out cardboard with its ridge of peaks completely towering over the surrounding jungle,” he wrote.
He ended the post with: “Mountain is calling! How can I say no to that?”
The SAR operation involved personnel from Sabah Parks, mountain guides, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
The incident serves as a stark reminder for climbers to only use official routes, adhere to instructions from mountain guides, and obtain permits through designated channels to ensure their safety throughout their ascent of Mount Kinabalu.
