1997 Everest Expedition Still Inspires Malaysians Nearly Three Decades On

By N. Kuvineshwaren

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- Nearly three decades after Malaysians first stood atop Mount Everest, former climber Datuk N. Mohanadas says the historic expedition continues to inspire Malaysians to push beyond their limits and pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Reflecting on the 29th anniversary of the 1997 Malaysian Everest expedition, Mohanadas described the achievement as proof that determination, teamwork and strong support systems can overcome even the toughest challenges.

“It has proven that ‘Malaysia Boleh’,” he told Bernama today, recalling the expedition that placed Malaysia among nations that have successfully conquered the world’s highest peak.

On May 23, 1997, Malaysian climbers Datuk M. Magendran and Mohanadas made history by becoming the first Malaysians and Southeast Asians to successfully summit Mount Everest under the Malaysian Everest 1997 Mission, organised by the Malaysian Mountaineering Federation with support from the Youth and Sports Ministry.

Mohanadas said the journey to Everest was far from easy, noting that more than 100 people initially applied to join the project, but only a handful remained after years of rigorous selection and training.

He said many aspirants faced financial constraints, difficulties securing leave from employers, family commitments and limited exposure to alpine climbing conditions.

“At that time, we had no experience climbing ice-covered mountains. We only trained on local mountains like (Mt) Kinabalu and lacked proper equipment and information,” he said.

He added that unlike today, where climbers have easier access to training resources and equipment, Malaysian climbers in the 1990s had to undergo years of preparation abroad, including in New Zealand, India and Nepal.

Mohanadas said the success of the 1997 expedition also sparked greater confidence among Malaysians to attempt extraordinary feats, including expeditions to the North Pole and other international challenges.

“People once believed climbing Everest was impossible for Malaysians. But after the success, many realised they too could achieve what they once thought impossible,” he said.

Commenting on the growing popularity of hiking among youths today, Mohanadas said the Everest story remains relevant in instilling resilience, patience and perseverance.

“Every mountain in life, whether physical, personal or professional, can be climbed with determination, preparation and belief,” he said.

He also reminded Malaysians that major achievements require sacrifice and persistence, noting that the Everest mission itself took almost three years of preparation before the team reached the summit.

As of 2026, a total of 30 Malaysians have conquered the world’s highest peak, with climber Mohd Khafiz Bachok, also known as “Kicok”, reaching the summit on May 18, marking a symbolic milestone just ahead of the 1997 expedition’s anniversary.

-- BERNAMA