KOTA KINABALU, Nov. 3 -- The ongoing construction of a high-altitude training centre on Mount Kinabalu has come under scrutiny, with indigenous groups and tourism stakeholders questioning its environmental impact, approvals and whether communities with customary ties to the mountain were adequately consulted.

The controversy surfaced around October 30 after photographs showing structures and apparent drilling activities near Sayat-Sayat circulated on social media, prompting calls for authorities to clarify the nature and purpose of the work.

The photographs prompted criticism over a lack of transparency, including from Kundasang Tourism and Culture Association chairman Datuk Japiril Suhaimin, who called for an investigation into the pro...