TO support the spirit of mountaineering, Genting Malaysia donated RM500,000 to Altitude Exploration Club, which is on a mission to conquer the world’s highest peak of Mount Everest.
The “Mission Family Malaysia Everest 2022” comprises a team of 10 Malaysian climbers of various races, including Malay, Chinese, Indian and Iban, a disabled person, three commandos and one member from VAT 69 of the Royal Malaysia Police.
They are united in their aim to climb the 8,849m-high mountain.
Mission chief Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor received the contribution from Genting Malaysia Bhd corporate communications and public relations vice-president Datuk Seri Kay Atisha Parasuraman at Royal Lake CLub in Kuala Lumpur.
Also present were Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani and Genting Malaysia Bhd vice-president for security Datuk Sum Chang Keong.
Salleh said the expedition was supposed to take place in 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Nepalese Government started issuing climbing permits last month.
“Our crew members have been in Nepal since April and have spent the last two weeks acclimating for their ascent at Everest Base Camp.
“All the climbers are healthy and have adjusted well to the climate.
“If all works out smoothly, I think we can complete our mission.”
Salleh said the climbers began their journey last month but due to lack of funds, the team was unable to move further.
“The mission costs also expanded by 30% and the climbing licence that must be borne by each climber now costs US$11,000 (RM48,000).
“The general expenses for every climber come up to RM200,000,” he added.
Salleh added that a group of 20 Sherpas would be guiding the climbers on the mission.
“This donation from Genting Malaysia will not only cover the cost of the climbing permits but also the service charges of the Sherpas.
“We are very thankful to Genting Malaysia for its contributions,” he said.
The total budget for the expedition is RM2.6mil, which would cover the cost for training, equipment, food, flight tickets, base camp tents, medical insurance, and supplemental oxygen among others.
Among the 10 Malaysian mountaineers on this mission are Altitude Exploration Club president Azim Afif Ishak, 33, who is the team leader, and 32-year-old Muhammad Hawari Hashim who is disabled.
Other climbers are Ayu Wanirah Naharuddin, 29, world silat champion 2002 Rina Jordana Adnan, 42, Ahmad Murshid Maktar, 35, Jack Oh Jin Heng, 37, Kedah APM director Lt Kol Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, 54, and three VAT 69 personnel, namely Kanang Usin, 42, Pragash Murugesu, 32, and 28-year-old Mohammad Hanif Che Ahmad.