Ten years ago, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Sabah, Malaysia, with its epicentre near Mount Kinabalu. The tremor took just seconds to rumble through the ancient granite massif, but what followed would leave an enduring impact on the people of Sabah, the climbing community, and all who hold Mount Kinabalu close to their hearts. 

Eighteen lives were lost that day, including mountain guides, teachers, and schoolchildren. Trails crumbled, boulders fell, and parts of the summit path were obliterated. It was one of the darkest moments in the mountain’s modern history. 

Honouring the Lives Lost 

Eighteen lives were lost in the Kinabalu Earthquake on 5th June 2015. Each name represents a story of love, youth, service, adventure, and dreams. Though time has passed, the memory of those who perished remains deeply etched in the hearts of their families, their communities, and the mountain itself. 

We honour them today, and always. 

Mountain Guides: 

  1. Joseph Solungin (33) - Malaysia 
  2. Ricky Masirin (28) - Malaysia 
  3. Robbie Sapinggi (31) - Malaysia 
  4. Valerian Joannes (28) - Malaysia 

Climbers:

  1. Ameer Ryyan Bin Mohd Adeed Sanjay (12) - Singapore
  2. Emilie Giovanna Ramu (12) - Singapore 
  3. Lim Choon Seong (45) - Malaysia 
  4. Loo Jian Liang Terrence Sebastian (29) - Singapore 
  5. Lu Qi (35) - China 
  6. Masahiro Ozaki (29) - Japan 
  7. Matahom Karyl Mitzi Higuit (12) - Singapore 
  8. Mohammad Ghazi Bin Mohamed (35) - Singapore 
  9. Muhammad Daanish Bin Amran (22) - Singapore 
  10. Muhammad Loqman Bin Abdul Karim (22) - Malaysia 
  11. Navdeep Singh Jaryal S/O Raj Kumar (13) - Singapore 
  12. Rachel Ho Yann Shiuan (12) - Singapore 
  13. Sonia Jhala (12) - Singapore 
  14. Wee Ying Ping Peony (12) - Singapore 

The Heroes of the Mountain 

In the chaos of that morning, mountain guides emerged as the unsung heroes. Despite their own fear and trauma, they took swift action: organising rescues, calming stranded climbers, carrying the injured down treacherous paths, and clearing new routes through thick forest when the marked trails were blocked by fallen rocks. 

They did all this while enduring cold temperatures of 0 to 3°C, with little to no food or water, and the looming threat of aftershocks. It was a race against time, and the courage they displayed saved countless lives. Many have never fully spoken of what they went through, but their actions remain etched in the memory of every survivor. 

A Mountain Changed, A Community Forever Marked 

The earthquake not only altered the mountain’s terrain but transformed the lives of those who live and work around Kinabalu Park. Staff members, rescue teams, villagers, and families came together in the aftermath, turning grief into strength. Places like Balsam Café became shelters for emergency personnel and climbers' families. Teams worked day and night to locate the missing, provide comfort, and begin healing. 

Safety and Renewal 

In the decade since the earthquake, significant steps have been taken to ensure such a tragedy never happens again. The trail system was rebuilt, new emergency response protocols were introduced, and all guides underwent enhanced safety training. 

One of the most significant developments was the formation of MOSAR (Mountain Search and Rescue), a dedicated volunteer team made up of experienced mountain guides trained in high-angle rescue and emergency medical response. MOSAR now serves as a critical part of the park’s safety infrastructure, ready to act swiftly in the event of future emergencies. 

These improvements are part of a broader effort under the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark designation, which aims to preserve not only the geological significance of the mountain, but also the safety and well-being of those who explore it. 

Climbers today are better briefed, better equipped, and better protected.  

A Moment of Reflection 

On this 10th anniversary, we take a moment to reflect. To remember. To honour. 

To the lives lost, to the families left behind, to the guides who braved unimaginable fear to save others – we thank you. We carry your memory with us on every step of the trail. 

Let this anniversary serve as a reminder not only of what was lost but of the strength, courage, and community that rose in its place. 

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If you have memories, stories, or tributes you’d like to share from 5th June 2015, or about those who climbed and worked on Mount Kinabalu, we invite you to write to us at info@amazingborneo.com or connect via Instagram @amazingborneo. 

Together, we remember. Together, we heal.

(Originally published in MountKinabalu.com)