"TWENTY YEARS OF CONCESSION IS TOO LONG,"

Fee to climb Mt Kinabalu not expensive: Masidi

Kota Kinabalu, August 06, 2009: The cost to climb Mt Kinabalu, especially for locals, is not expensive because there are many options for them to stay before ascending to the summit, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

According to him, Sri Tanjung Assemblyman Jimmy Wong should have done his homework before claiming that the climbing fee is too expensive for the locals.

He said those climbing up the mountain are not compelled to stay at the lodges managed by the SSL (Sutera Sanctuary Lodges) unless it is included in their package.

"Whether you are in the Government or opposition you must be responsible in what you say. Don't simply say it for political mileage," he said when asked to comment on Wong's statement.

He said the agreement signed with SSL to operate accommodation for mountain climbers at Kinabalu Park was for 20 years and it is a valid agreement that cannot be altered.

However, he said application had also been submitted to build a hostel that would be operated by Sabah Parks.

At the same time, he said the Ministry was also studying the possibility of climbing Mt Kinabalu via a second trail.

"Twenty years of concession is too long," he said without elaborating.

On the salary hike for Cabinet Ministers and State elected representatives, Masidi said it should not be perceived as the leaders were not sensitive of the low income people.

"The State Government is only following what the Federal Government is doing," he said, adding that it was only 10 per cent.