Robbi Sapinggi

Robbi Sapinggi (1984 – 5 June 2015)[1] was one of four Malaysian mountain guides who died on Mount Kinabalu during the 2015 Sabah earthquake which claimed the lives of at least 18 people, mostly pupils and teachers from Tanjong Katong Primary School in Singapore, and injured 10 others. The quake struck at about 7:15am (MST) at Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia. Robbi gained notability in the media when he died in an apparent attempt to save a tourist climber from falling rocks.[2] He has been portrayed and praised as a hero for his act of bravery and sacrifice.[3][4] His body was found by emergency rescuers at about 4:00pm local time near Laban Rata about 20m from where it was believed he was hit by hurtling rocks during the earthquake.

Many other mountaineers who had come across the guide over the years have described him as selfless, compassionate, sacrificial, fun-loving, energetic, enthusiastic and a dedicated mountain guide[5][6][7] who put the interest of others before his. Tourists who have visited Mount Kinabalu have recounted his various sacrifices to ensure their safety and comfort while climbing the mountain. Cath Jayasuriya, executive director of Coalition Duchenne that brings together organisations around the world in attempts to raise global awareness on Duchenne muscular dystrophy said:

One time I was climbing with Robbi, and I was feeling so cold as we approached the summit in the rain. Robbi gave me his gloves and his jacket to wear, leaving him just in a t-shirt. That was just the kind of person he was. He really cared about the safety and comfort of all the climbers.[6][8]

Robbi was buried on 7 June 2015 at his village of Kiau in Kota Belud at about 2:30pm. He is survived by a six-months-old son and his wife, Reena Joshi, whom he married in September 2014.[8]

References

  1. ↑ Sabah quake: 5 things about the hero who sacrificed himself to save others
  2. ↑ "Sabah quake: 'Hero' guide laid to rest in funeral attended by hundreds". The Straits Times. 7 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  3. ↑ "Mountain guide laid to rest". Daily Express. 9 June 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  4. ↑ Jennifer Morris (8 June 2015). "Former Intrepid Travel tour guide dies in Malaysia earthquake". Travel Weekly (UK). Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  5. ↑ "Sabah quake: Mountain guide Robert Sapinggi remembered as kind, friendly and funny". The Straits Times. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  6. 1 2 "Dead mountain guide hailed as hero for trying to help victims". Today Online. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  7. ↑ In Memory of an unsung hero, Robbi Sapinggi. adonevideo on YouTube. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  8. 1 2 Mariah Doksil (6 June 2015). "Remembering Robbi Sapinggi". The Borneo Post. Retrieved 10 June 2015.

External links

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