USUALLY reserved for ceremonies, functions in Sikh temples (gurdwara), prayers, and weddings, traditional Punjabi attire is not typically designed for sports or physically strenuous activities.
However, 40-year-old Penang-born Jesmesh Singh, affectionately known as JJ, harboured a remarkable ambition: to become the first Malaysian to conquer Mount Kinabalu clad in his traditional outfit – and he succeeded.
This presented an immediate challenge, as the cotton garments he chose – kurta and salwar – are notoriously ill-suited for high-altitude exertion.
Driven by a profound sense of cultural pride, Jesmesh decided to wear his traditional Punjabi attire not only to challenge himself but also to enter the Malaysia Book of Records.
“As a Malaysian living in a beautifully multicultural society, I have always believed in celebrating and showcasing our heritage,” he shared. “To do so on the highest peak in Malaysia – and one of the highest in South-East Asia – made this journey even more significant for me.”
Jesmesh undertook the arduous climb up Mount Kinabalu on March 13, descending on March 14, a feat that rendered him eligible for recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records.
He explained that climbing Mount Kinabalu in traditional Punjabi attire presented a unique set of challenges that tested both his physical and mental resilience.
The cotton outfit is not designed for high-altitude conditions. Cotton, Jesmesh noted, retains moisture, making it non-sweat-resistant and increasing the risk of hypothermia – a serious and potentially fatal danger in cold, high-altitude environments.
“Coupled with the strong, freezing winds on the mountain, this made the climb even more demanding,” he said, adding that the very design of the traditional attire posed additional risks.
The long fabric would occasionally get caught on rocks and, during summit day, entangle with the fixed ropes.
This necessitated extreme mindfulness with every step Jesmesh took.
“At such an altitude, even a small mistake can have serious consequences, so precision and focus were critical throughout the ascent,” he stated.
Upon reaching the summit, Jesmesh revealed he managed the intense cold with a hardshell jacket to ward off the harsh winds and used his Deuter backpack for additional warmth.
“Since my outfit was thin, I had to use a base layer to keep the body heat trapped and avoid getting into trouble with the cold temperatures,” he explained.
Jesmesh described this challenging experience as deeply meaningful and rewarding, even for an active mountaineer with previous experience in the Himalayan and Everest regions.
He said that wearing a turban, rather than conventional cold-weather gear like a beanie, added another layer of difficulty.
“At 1.30am, in super cold conditions and with minimal rest, tying a 5m-long turban required patience, precision, and determination,” he recounted, adding that even something as simple as adjusting his headlamp over the turban became part of the adventure.
Despite the significant challenges, Jesmesh persevered.
Today, he stands proud to have achieved recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records.
More importantly, he hopes his achievement serves as a powerful reminder that people should never be discouraged from pursuing their dreams while embracing their identity.
“Our culture is not a limitation. It is our strength,” he concluded with conviction.
