KUALA LUMPUR – The Sabah government will help to bear the additional cost not included in the insurance coverage to bring home the remains of Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, who died while on a mission to climb Mount Everest last Friday.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah & Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said – as the minister responsible for the Civil Defence Force and as Papar MP – he felt responsible for fulfilling the wishes of the victim’s family to bury him in his hometown of Benoni, Papar.
Armizan said he had discussed the matter with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who gave his commitment that the state government would help bear the extra cost.
“Gabungan Rakyat Sabah has also channelled donations for the same purpose,” he said in a statement today.
He added that those who wish to donate could do so through Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah.
Armizan said he was informed that Awang Askandar’s remains are expected to reach the Mount Everest base camp from Camp 4 at 2pm local time today (4.15pm Malaysia time today), and would reach Kathmandu tomorrow morning, pending good weather.
Awang Askandar, 56, was Kedah Civil Defence Force director.
Armizan also said he knew Awang Askandar personally when they both served at the National Civics Bureau, or Biro Tatanegara. – The Vibes, May 22, 2023
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