KOTA KINABALU: A 45-year-old man died of complications from altitude sickness while scaling Mount Kinabalu yesterday.
Alexzander Kueh Check Boo and his wife were attempting to scale the peak yesterday when the incident occurred.
Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, in a statement, said the man and his wife, 35, had arrived at Panalaban, a mid-point rest stop as part of the climb, on Monday.
Initially, Kueh's wife complained of a headache and respiratory difficulties at approximately 9pm.
The Mountain Search and Rescue (Mosar) Team gave her oxygen for first aid.
An hour later, the rescue team decided to stretcher her down to Timpohon Gate and then to the Ranau Hospital for further treatment.
Not long after at approximately 2am, the husband experienced breathing difficulties and muscle cramps.
He was subsequently stretchered to Timpohon Gate.
Both victims were sent to the Ranau Hospital by ambulance.
Kueh however was pronounced dead at 4.30am yesterday at the hospital.
Liew said based on the symptoms, Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) was believed to be the cause of death
The wife's condition was reported to be stable.
Liew extended her condolences to Kueh's family.
She has asked Sabah Parks, which falls under her ministry, to assist the deceased's family wherever necessary.
Liew also advised future climbers to be prepared physically and mentally before venturing to climb Mt Kinabalu.