On 5th June 2015, Mount Kinabalu shook as a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Sabah, Malaysia, causing serious damage. Among the most tragic stories was that of a group of 29 students and 8 teachers from Singapore's Tanjong Katong Primary School, who had just started a once-in-a-lifetime climb along the via ferrata route just as the quake struck.
Massive boulders broke loose and crashed down the mountain. In just a few moments, lives were changed forever. Eighteen people, including six students and two teachers from the Singaporean group, lost their lives. It was the darkest day in Mount Kinabalu's modern history.
Returning to Honour, to Heal
(Source: Instagram / @emyr8)
Almost ten years later, two survivors of the Singaporean student group, Emyr and Prajesh, are returning to Mount Kinabalu. Their goal is to summit the mountain once more – this time, not as students on a school trip, but as young men honouring their friends and teachers, and the strength it took to survive.
They will not be alone. Climbing with them is Cornelius, a mountain guide from Kinabalu Park who was there on that tragic day. He helped rescue survivors and make quick decisions in a very dangerous situation.
Cornelius, who was the one who found Prajesh after the earthquake had struck, remembers him clearly. "I still remember he was wearing a yellow necklace. I wonder if he still has it – I suspect it might be a lucky necklace," he says with a soft smile.
In celebrating their return, we also look back at all they endured that day – hours spent in fear and perseverance, as the mountain tested not only their bodies but also their will to survive.
Stranded on the Mountain: A Fight for Survival
After the earthquake, Emyr, Prajesh, and their classmates were trapped high on Mount Kinabalu. Trails were blocked, temperatures dropped, and communication was lost. Many students were injured.
“Rocks were hitting us at fast speeds when I felt my helmet break in half,” Emyr recalls. “I went to look for help and found the others with some guides. One of the guides immediately bandaged up my head, saying that I was bleeding profusely.”
Prajesh was among the most critically injured. He had sustained trauma to his head, chest, and muscles – and when he was found, he was barely conscious.
“I don't remember much from the earthquake itself,” he admits. “By the time I was conscious, I was already back in Singapore. And that was where my trouble really began – having to undergo weeks of physical rehab, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.”
At the time, no one truly understood what had happened. Earthquakes were unheard of in the region. With no protocols or understanding of what had just happened, the guides relied entirely on instinct and care. They cut new trails through the forest as they worked to bring survivors to safety.
Cornelius found Prajesh barely conscious and made the decision to have him evacuated first. “He couldn’t speak – he could only nod. But he was responsive, so I believed he had a chance if we acted quickly.”
“Cornelius risked his life to save me,” Prajesh shared quietly. “I am so grateful to him and all the guides that were there that day.”
“The true heroes of that day were not us,” Emyr added, “The true heroes were the mountain guides. Without them, I don’t think we would be here.”
Climbing for Memory, Climbing for Meaning
(Source: Instagram / @emyr8)
This commemorative climb will begin on 20th May 2025. For Emyr and Prajesh, this journey is about finding peace and honouring those whose lives were lost.
“Because of the incident, we couldn't finish what we aimed to,” said Emyr. “We were supposed to climb the summit the next day but it didn't happen. So other than personal closure, I want to finish off what we started in honour of my friends who passed on.”
Prajesh added, “When I was 12 years old, I remember thinking how cool it would be to reach the summit. I want to come back to meet that goal, and to pay tribute to my friends who did not make it.”
Both spoke warmly of their classmates.
“My friends that have passed on, they were the best of us,” Emyr said. “So pure, so innocent. They showed exceptional maturity and resilience. They were on a different level.”
“I want people to know what kind and beautiful souls they all were,” Prajesh added. “They made us feel like one family.”
Ten years later, their return is not just a physical challenge, but an emotional one. It is also a show of respect to the mountain guides and local communities whose lives were forever changed by the earthquake and who have carried its weight ever since.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu Today: Stronger, Safer, and Better Prepared
(Source: Instagram / @emyr8)
Safety on Mount Kinabalu has been further strengthened in the years since the earthquake – and great care has gone into ensuring no climb ever ends in tragedy again. Today, Mount Kinabalu is safer than ever, thanks to new protocols, technology, and trained personnel.
New Infrastructure:
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Safer Trails to the Summit
The original trail to the summit was damaged beyond repair. In its place, two new and safer routes have been constructed:
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Ranau Trail, which includes a secure staircase section from KM6.5 to Sayat Sayat Hut
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Kota Belud Trail, an alternative summit path for better flow and safety
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Rockfall Barriers Installed
Following expert advice from geologists from Japan and Canada, metal rockfall barriers have been installed in key high-risk areas to catch falling debris and protect climbers from landslides.
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Upgraded Via Ferrata System
The Via Ferrata routes now use an “aeroligne” system. This allows climbers to stay clipped in continuously, making it safer and easier to evacuate during emergencies.
Emergency Response Improvements:
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MOSAR: Mountain Search and Rescue
Formed in response to the tragedy, MOSAR (Mountain Search and Rescue) consists of trained mountain guides who now double as auxiliary firefighters. Five to six MOSAR members are stationed daily along the mountain to assist in emergencies such as injuries or altitude sickness.
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Regular Earthquake Simulation Drills
Sabah Parks and its partners now conduct regular emergency exercises to sharpen response times and communication.
These improvements were made not only by engineers and safety experts, but with the help of local guides and villagers who know the mountain best.
More Than Just a Climb
(Source: Instagram / @emyr8)
For Cornelius, he is climbing not just as a guide, but as someone deeply rooted to the land and people of Mount Kinabalu. He remembers the overwhelming pressure of that day: leading terrified schoolchildren, some already injured, through a dangerous and uncertain landscape.
"I had to stay calm, no matter what," he recalls. "I had a nephew that was stranded on the mountain as well and I was very worried. But I believe I was able to get through the day and handle all that was going on because I stayed calm."
When asked why he continues to guide after such a traumatic experience, Cornelius explains: "At this point, I have become one with this job. A part of my soul will always live on Mount Kinabalu."
Their Words, Ten Years On
We asked both Emyr and Prajesh what they would say to their younger selves from that day.
“I'm damn proud of you,” Emyr said. “The fact that you decided to go on this trip once more – it takes a lot of courage. I am where I am today because of who I was back then.”
Prajesh answered, “Just push through. It will soon be worth it. There are a lot of people on the other side who would be really proud of you.”
Stay With Us
Amazing Borneo will be climbing with Emyr, Prajesh, and Cornelius as well. Over the coming days, we will bring you:
- Exclusive interviews with Emyr and Prajesh
- Reflections from Cornelius and other Kinabalu Park staff
- Stories from guides, rescue workers, and local communities
- Live social media updates from the trail during the May 20th climb
A Mountain That Remembers
Mount Kinabalu has long been sacred to the people of Sabah. The earthquake changed its face and its story forever. But even amidst tragedy, stories of resilience and healing have emerged. As the 10th anniversary approaches, we remember everyone affected – and celebrate the strength of human spirit.
Follow Amazing Borneo's blog and social media for real-time updates, interviews, and stories. Join us as we honour the memory of 5th June 2015, and the brave individuals who continue to climb – in every sense of the word.