KUALA LUMPUR – Bursting with pride, patriotism, and love for their country amid freezing temperatures and rough mountain conditions, a group of seven Malaysians managed to unfurl the Jalur Gemilang at the Annapurna Base Camp at the foothills of the Himalayas today.
Boasting spectacular panoramic views of the incredible mountain range, Mount Annapurna is considered to provide one of the most challenging treks in the world.
The group had to battle the wet monsoon season, which makes trekking riskier, for three days, journeying on foot for an average of seven to 12 hours daily in order to reach the base camp located 4,130m above sea level in Nepal.
Led by 65-year-old Anthonysamy Silvarajoo, the group managed to raise the Jalur Gemilang at the base camp at 6pm Malaysian time today.
The group consisted of Vinohsha Muniandi, 29, Rehvan Arumugam, 34, Eva Peh, 28, Dencyl Cheah, 29, Harishangkari Rajasekharan, 23, and Kate Keoh, 24.
Anthonysamy, who had served with the Malaysian Navy for 32 years, has been hiking and leading trekkers from Malaysia on multiple trips to challenging terrains.
“The Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most important treks for a hiker,” he said in a statement to The Vibes.
“After spending years at sea with the Navy, I was determined to reach one of the highest base camps.
“Being able to fly the Jalur Gemilang at the basecamp on Merdeka is a dream come true,” he said.
Weighing on the experience was also Vinohsha, who expressed her elation at finally being able to fly the national flag at their final destination to cap off their arduous adventure after three days of the rigorous trek.
“It was a gruelling three-day hike in cold and rain but we were determined to reach the peak on Merdeka,” she said.
“We wanted to share this glorious personal moment for us with the country as we celebrate the 65th Merdeka. We are proud to be able to fly the Malaysian flag.'
An avid mountain trekker, Vinohsha has summited Mount Rinjani, Kawah Ijen, and Mount Kerinci in Indonesia, and Mount Fansipan in Vietnam.
The trek was put on hold for years due to the pandemic but all the participants have spent the last few months training to be physically fit for the trek up the Himalayan mountain range. – The Vibes, August 31, 2022
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