The government retiree said his last climb was full of challenges as it rained heavily, the air was foggy and he had to cope with the freezing cold.

“Thankfully, I managed to overcome the trials and tribulations until I reached the peak. The last time I climbed ‘Aki Nabalu’ was in 2015 before the quake struck,” Buatin told reporters.

Earlier, chief minister Hajiji Noor presented a Sabah traditional headgear, or sigar, to the Papar native at his office in Menara Kinabalu.

In congratulating Buatin on his success in reaching the peak, Hajiji said he was impressed that an elderly person had such tenacity and stamina.

Buatin, who was accompanied by his grandson, Limbahau assemblyman Juil Nuatim, also shared his experience with Hajiji.

Buatin’s success in conquering Mount Kinabalu went viral after a video of him reaching the peak of the highest mountain in Southeast Asia was shared by netizens who referred to him as “atok”.