Two UTM youths successfully scale Mount Everest

Two youths from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Skudai, successfully scaled the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, at 11.45am local time, Monday.

UTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Wahid Omar said the two climbers were Mohd Farul Aidib Mahamad Yusoff, 22, a second year student at the Faculty of Management, and Azim Afif Ishak, 28, a UTM graduate, who is now coaching Mohd Farul.

"They went to Tibet in April, and over there, they received the services of a Sherpa to guide them.

"They started the climb from Tibet, and began the ascent to the summit from Camp 3, at 11.45pm yesterday," he said in a statement here Monday.

Wahid, who congratulated the duo on the success, also acknowledged the support and encouragement of all parties, including the climbing project advisor, UTM pro-chancellor, Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor.

He said the two climbers were expected to return by early next month, and wished them a safe trip home on behalf of the UTM community.