Mountain guides stay calm

KOTA KINABALU: Ranau was jolted with a 5.2 magnitude earthquake at 9.06 pm last night.
The tremors could also be felt in other districts such as Kudat, Tuaran, Papar, Kota Marudu, Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang.
For mountain guide, Hanson Juhili, 35, who experienced the earthquake in Panabalan for the first time, he found it hard to describe the terror that he felt during the incident.
"What could we do? Thankfully, no one was injured.
"In such a critical situation, mountain guides need to remain calm. Priority is on the safety of the climbers," he said.
Another mountain guide, Jomius Binte, 54, said even though some of the climbers were traumatised by the quake which lasted about six seconds, he was grateful that the situation in Panabalan was under control.
The rescue operation ended around 4.30 am today.
Meanwhile, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun issued a directive for the temporary suspension of all climbing activities at Mount Kinabalu, with immediate effect.
A Bernama survey revealed that the situation at Timpohon Gate was quiet, with no activities being carried out.
The situation at Taman Kinabalu was also reportedly calm, with most of the climbers boarding tourist vehicles to return to Kota Kinabalu.
The weather in Kundasang this morning is also sunny and daily activities in the town have resumed as usual. — Bernama