# Croatian Hiker Fined RM25,000 for Mount Kinabalu Climb

> Croatian climber Mauro Persic paid RM25,000 fine after 8-day rescue from Mount Kinabalu, calling trespassing 'last thing on my mind'.
- Title: Croatian Hiker Fined RM25,000 for Mount Kinabalu Climb
- Summary: Croatian climber Mauro Persic paid RM25,000 fine after 8-day rescue from Mount Kinabalu, calling trespassing 'last thing on my mind'. Croatian hiker Mauro…
- Keywords: mauro persic, kinabalu park, malaysia day, trespassing, rescue operation, sabah, kadazan-dusun, news, world, Croatian, Hiker, Fined
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/20/rescued-croatian-hiker-fined-rm25000-over-mount-kinabalu-climb-says-trespassing-was-last-thing-on-my-mind/235840
- Author: Malay Mail
- Published: 2026-09-20T11:30:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mauro persic, kinabalu park, malaysia day, trespassing, rescue operation, sabah, kadazan-dusun, news, world
## Croatian Hiker Fined RM25,000
Croatian hiker Mauro Persic, residing in London, was fined RM25,000 for unauthorized entry into Kinabalu Park.

> RM25,000
## Trespassing Was 'Last Thing On My Mind'
Persic said trespassing was 'last thing on my mind' after seeing Mount Kinabalu's beauty.

> last thing on my mind
## Spontaneous Climb Decision
Persic described climb as impulsive, driven by admiration for Mount Kinabalu's beauty.

> spur of a moment
## Apology to Sabahans
Persic apologized to Sabahans for perceived disrespect, stating no intention to offend culture or mountain.

> never meant any disrespect to people, culture nor mountain
## Environmental Respect Claims
Persic claimed he left no trace and avoided sacred peaks to respect Kadazan-Dusun cultural significance.

> leaving no trace behind and not climbing on top of any major peaks
## No Mountain Conquest
Persic denied conquering Mount Kinabalu, questioning the concept of 'conquering' mountains.

> did not conquer Kinabalu (nor any other mountain for that matter)
## 8-Day Rescue Operation
Persic was found injured on Sept 6 after sending SOS, requiring five-day rescue with 43 personnel.

> Sept 6
## Injuries Sustained
Persic sustained injuries to right leg, ribs, and minor hand wounds during rescue.

> right leg and ribs
## Key takeaway

Croatian hiker Mauro Persic was fined RM25,000 for unauthorized entry into Kinabalu Park after an 8-day rescue, stating trespassing was 'last thing on my mind'.