2nd LD: Climbers trapped after earthquake hits Malaysia's Sabah state

More than 100 climbers were stranded on one of Southeast Asia's highest mountain after a moderate earthquake hit Malaysia's Sabah state in North Borneo on Friday, authorities said.

Sarafudin Ladulu, an official at the rescue operation center, told Xinhua that 137 climbers from some 20 countries, were still stranded on the Mount Kinabalu but were on the way down to a relatively safe location with the help of mountain guides.

Sixty-one people were rescued. Six others were injured including two severely wounded.

Malaysian Meteorological Department said the magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred at 07:15 local time about 16 km northwest of Ranau, Sabah, near Mount Kinabalu. It was felt across Sabah.

The tremor triggered small landslides and stone falls on Mount Kinabalu, blocking ways for climbers. According to the pictures posted online by the trapped climbers, part of the iconic "Donkey' s Ear" twin peaks of the mountain was badly damaged.

Hikers always start climbing from the camp after midnight and reach the top of 4,095 meters by dawn to watch sunrise before turning back.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Masidi Manjun said the efforts to use helicopter to rescue the trapped climbers were hampered by thick cloud. Rescue teams are trying to distribute food and clothes to them. Endi