Tour operators leading treks to Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia have suggested low-risk “adventure” packages for older tourists, rather than imposing an age limit on those seeking to conquer the famed 4,095-metre (13,435ft) peak, following the death of a British national in his 70s.
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Sabah Tourism Minister Christina Liew on Monday said authorities were contemplating an age restriction for hikers after a spate of deaths over the past eight months, including the unnamed British national, who died after reaching the summit on February 25.
It was the fourth death in less than a year of climbers challenging the third-highest island peak in the world, which is located in Sabah state on Malaysian Borneo.
The minister did not say what age the upper limit would be, but setting restrictions would likely disrupt tour operators and tourists, especially as many older climbers are fit and experienced, according to Roger Rajah, president of the Sabah Tourist Guides Association.
“It would make a lot of sense for Sabah’s tourism players to offer senior citizen-friendly adventure packages. Many older travellers still seek adventure but may prefer lower-risk experiences,” Rajah told This Week in Asia.
This could include scenic hikes at lower elevations, jungle canopy walks and river cruises for wildlife spotting – all activities that were less strenuous, he said.