Sabah government approves Mount Kinabalu altitude training center

The Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment has clarified that construction activities on Mount Kinabalu are part of the approved High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) project. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin stated that the development includes basic accommodation facilities to support specialized high-altitude training and climbing activities.

The project was originally proposed in the 2015 Kinabalu Park Development Plan but was delayed following an earthquake in that same year. The initiative was officially revived for 2025 to diversify Sabah’s tourism products and strengthen its international standing as a climbing destination.

Minister Jafry emphasized that the HATC has received approval from the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees and support from the Mount Kinabalu Native Advisory Council. To minimize environmental impact, the project will utilize lightweight, prefabricated, and modular construction materials. The ministry also stated it will not tolerate any violations of technical specifications, environmental requirements, or regulations during implementation.