Uphill start for Everest climbers bearing spirit of Keluarga Malaysia

KAME 2022 mission chief, Azim Afif Ishak, said the team still lacked a sizeable RM1 million in funds, from the estimated RM2.3 million expenditure needed to make the mission a success.

"While the news of the (lack of) funds was still not sufficiently communicated to the climbers, some shed tears and sadness as some had to quit their jobs, and some take three months of unpaid leave and leave their families with small children behind.

"However, because of the will to raise the image of Malaysia as high as Mount Everest, all these climbers gained their flagging spirits back," he said when met by Bernama at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here today before departing for Kathmandu, Nepal.

Apart from Azim Afif, KAME 2022 also ropes in an experienced climber Muhammad Hawari Hashim, 31, who is a person with disability (PwD); former world silat champion Rina Jordana Adnan, 42; Ahmad Murshid Maktar, 35; Ayu Wanirah Naharuddin, 29, and Jack Oh Jin Heng, 37.

Other climbers in the once-in-a-lifetime quest are Kedah Civil Defence Force director, Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, 54; and three VAT 69 Commando personnel, namely Kanang Usin, 42, Pragash Murugesu, 32, and Mohammad Hanif Che Ahmad, 28.

Explaining the high cost of the daunting mission, Azim Afif said that the permit to climb Mount Everest is USD11,000 per person, and the fee for a Sherpa to accompany the climber is between USD10,000 to USD15,000, while complete clothing for each climber costs RM20,000, to ensure safety.

"Every climber must have adequate equipment because such missions not only test you mentally and physically but also looming are natural disasters like avalanches," he said.

He said the KAME 2022 team's journey to Mount Everest will be recorded and documented for Malaysians to see, as well as to be an inspirational guide for younger generations of climbers.

"The mission this time is not just to make the ascent, but for them to understand and immerse themselves in the essence of the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia, which stands for solidarity regardless of race, ethnicity and religion as well as background, so that unity of the people can be further strengthened," he said.

Meanwhile, Awang Askandar said the spectre of inadequate funds was the team's burden to be overcome together and is a test for team camaraderie.

"This is because this mission is a national mission to represent Keluarga Malaysia. Here is the beginning of the creation of history in the national climb, represented by climbers from various races and religions as well as uniformed personnel," he said.