Greedy outbreak in Kinabalu Park

I read few article in the internet about the costly price during their trip to Kinabalu Park. I wonder what really happen that cost this sudden change. Sabah Park signed agreement with Sutera Sanctuary Lodge to take over the handling of the only one Laban Rata Rest House since the development of a new rest house project was stopped by the government.

Sabah Parks director, Paul Basintal, says that the price of accommodation at Kinabalu Park, including on the mountain, is mentioned under Clause 30 of the Agreement between Sabah Parks and Kinabalu Nature Resort Sdn Bhd (now known as Sutera Sanctuary Lodges). TheStar

Sabah Sanctuary Lodge only paid around 1 million ringgit in a year for their exclusive take over on the only rest house permitted to operate. One might think it is a good bargain but not for the people but to the Sabah Sanctuary Lodge when they charge around 200 ringgit per person for a stay where they can earn about 10 times fold of the price they gave and estimation 5 million ringgit minus the cost.

A local rate for Malaysians, permanent residents and those with Malaysian work permits are available through local agents and the SSL sales office.” (RM330 per night for a heated dormitory bed with meals. TheStar

Complain was made all over and once in TheStar website about the changes take over by those private company. It looks like climbing Mount Kinabalu no longer is a cheap destination for holidays to some cheap travel bargain hunter. I doubt that the quality of this place will change due to numbers of complaints and reviews by travel magazine and internet. Sutera Sanctuary Lodge really takes advantage on his monopolies on the Mount Kinabalu without considering the local who can't afford to fork out such expensive rates.

Interrupted hot water, electricity and plumbing leaks are common. Leaks from the bathrooms trickle down to the restaurant below the sleeping quarters,” adds Ruhaizad, 32, a Kota Kinabalu-based doctor. TheStar

Changes happen everywhere and it supposes to be a good change. Nothing good come out from the changes made by the Sabah Park official when they give an exclusive rights for the Sutera Sanctuary Lodge to operate the Laban Rata Rest House when the only obvious changes is the price but not the quality of its places. The people should voice out their dissatisfaction over this changes that only profited by those greedy people.