KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- No matter how advanced climbing equipment and rescue operations have become, mountains remain inherently dangerous and demand the utmost respect, said the first Malaysian to conquer Mount Everest, Datuk M. Magendran.
Drawing lessons from a series of tragedies involving Malaysian climbers, Magendran said thorough preparation remains the key to a safe expedition, whether scaling a modest hill or the world's highest peak.
"Thirty years ago, the equipment we used was primitive. Today, the gear is far more modern and sophisticated, but Mount Everest remains the same, and so do its challenges.
"No matter which mountain it is, we have to respect it and be extremely careful. We have to prepare well because that is not our place," he said during Sigaram, a two-hour motivational talk organised by Time Lapse Adventures at Universiti Malaya here last night.
Magendran noted that, unlike three decades ago when mountaineering equipment was scarce and expensive in Malaysia, climbers today have easy access to a wide range of quality and affordable gear through numerous outdoor speciality stores nationwide.
Addressing about 130 outdoor enthusiasts, Magendran said reaching the summit alone should never be regarded as the ultimate achievement, stressing that climbers can only claim success if they return safely.
The session also saw Magendran recount the physical, mental and emotional challenges faced by members of the historic Malaysian Everest Expedition before he and Datuk N. Mohanadas became the first Malaysians to stand atop the world's highest peak on May 23, 1997.
Describing the feat as one of the defining moments of his life, he also revealed plans to publish a book documenting his Everest journey in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the historic achievement next year.
Citing the 2023 Mount Everest climbing season as the darkest chapter involving Malaysian mountaineers, he recalled that Muhammad Hawari Hashim, who became the first Malaysian with hearing and speech disabilities to scale Everest, went missing while descending from the summit and has yet to be found.
Magendran said in the same year, another Malaysian climber, Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, died while two other climbers were rescued from the mountain, underscoring the dangers posed by extreme altitude, exhaustion and unpredictable weather conditions.
At the end of the event, Magendran presented mementoes and certificates to 33 hikers in recognition of their successful completion of the G7 (the seven highest peaks in Peninsular Malaysia) and G11 (the 11 highest peaks in Peninsular Malaysia) challenges.
Special awards were also presented to two hikers who completed the gruelling Trans Titiwangsa V4 route, covering 238 kilometres from Jeli to Cameron Highlands, and the Trans Titiwangsa V6 route, spanning 656.05 kilometres from Jeli to Fraser's Hill.
Magendran and Mohanadas became the first Malaysians to conquer Mount Everest in 1997, while Mohd Khafiz Bachok became the nation's 30th Everest summiteer after reaching the peak last month.
Recently, several hiking-related incidents in Malaysia have drawn public attention, including the death of 19-year-old Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, who went missing while descending Bukit Changkat Asa in Hulu Bernam, Selangor, on May 23. Her body was found three days later.
Meanwhile, 49-year-old Jaslinda Saludin was rescued after being found safe by Orang Asli near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh on June 6, about two weeks after she went missing during the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition on May 23.
-- BERNAMA
