# He climbed Kinabalu off-trail. Now comes the bill

> A Croatian adventure racer went up a closed route on Mount Kinabalu, fell, and set off a five-day rescue. A fine may follow.
- Title: He climbed Kinabalu off-trail. Now comes the bill · Malay Mail
- Summary: A Croatian adventure racer went up a closed route on Mount Kinabalu, fell, and set off a five-day rescue. A fine may follow. Closed routes on Kinabalu are…
- Keywords: mount kinabalu, sabah, rescue, hiking safety, travel, news, world, climbed, Kinabalu, off-trail, comes, bill
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/14/croatian-climber-who-scaled-mount-kinabalu-illegally-may-face-fine/235224
- Author: Julia Chan
- Published: 2026-09-14T20:00:26+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mount kinabalu, sabah, rescue, hiking safety, travel, news, world
## A fine may be coming
Mauro Persic, 46, may be penalised for climbing Mount Kinabalu on an unsanctioned route with no permit. Sabah Parks has lodged a police report.
## Nothing decided yet
Sabah Tourism Minister Jafry Ariffin said police and Sabah Parks are still investigating and will act once Persic has recovered.

> But considering everything… maybe he will receive a fine
## A warning to everyone else
Jafry framed the case as a public lesson: unofficial trails up Kinabalu carry real safety risk, and this is what that risk looks like.
## Five days to bring him down
It took 43 search and rescue personnel five days to get Persic off the mountain, working through steep terrain and rain.
## The wrong way up
Persic went up a closed-off route from Mesilou, hit trouble, fell, and had to call for help. He had been in an extreme adventure race at Tambatuan, Kota Belud.
## Injured and alone
He came out with injuries to his right leg and right ribs, plus minor cuts to his hands, after days stranded on the mountain.
## Probably not worth it
Persic thanked the rescue team, especially the porter who carried him down on his back, and admitted the adventure was likely not worth the cost.

> probably not
## Key takeaway

Closed routes on Kinabalu are closed for a reason, and the cost of ignoring that falls on the rescuers first.