Everest heroes share experience during Christmas leisure hike

KUALA LUMPUR: While many Malaysians are spending their Christmas holidays by visiting shopping malls and meeting loved ones, a small group of climbing enthusiasts made use of the free time by hiking with Malaysian Everest heroes at Bukit Wawasan, Puchong hiking trail near here.

Datuk M. Magendran and Datuk N. Mohanadas, who led a small group of hikers including Bernama staff in a three-hour long leisure hike, starting at about 8am, also shared their 1997 Everest experience and life stories along the way.

The hikers, from as young as eight to their 60’s, followed strict standard operating procedures (SOP), including practising social distancing and they also checked in using the MySejahtera app at the foothill before hiking the 233-metre peak.

Magendran, the first Malaysian to step on the majestic Mount Everest peak, 15 minutes before teammate Mohanadas, said more Malaysians are now showing interest in hiking, which has become part of their lifestyle and hobby as opposed to the 1990s.

“I am glad to know that hiking has become a way to healthy lifestyle among Malaysians. We did not see this happening during the 1990s. But at the same time, we have the responsibilities to safeguard the environment by preserving and keeping it clean,” he told Bernama, adding that it was his first hike since the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Echoing the same opinion, Mohanadas said hikers have to be responsible in safeguarding the environment by not disturbing the flora and fauna as well as not dumping rubbish along the trail.

Come 23rd May 2022, the national heroes will be celebrating the Silver Jubilee of their feat as the first two Malaysians to conquer the summit of Mount Everest in 1997.

Meanwhile, one of the participants, A. Saravanan, 46, who joined the climb with his son and daughter aged between 12 and 14, said it was inspiring to hear from the experienced duo.

“During the hike, we learned some tips from them, like breathing techniques. It was a good experience for us, especially for the children, who are more inspired to achieve more climbing honours for the country,” he said.

-- BERNAMA