KUALA LUMPUR – The government has allocated RM1.48 million for the search and rescue of climber Muhammad Hawari Hashim, who was recently reported missing while descending from Mount Everest.
Youth and Sports Ministry secretary-general K. Nagulendran said efforts to find the 33-year-old Penang-based mountaineer are being actively carried out at all campsites.
“The Malaysian government, through the Youth and Sports Ministry, will provide financial assistance of RM1.48 million today to the Altitude Exploration Club for the mission to find Hawari.
“A search by land and air is also underway as we are dealing with a crucial period.
“We need to hurry because everyone must descend from Everest latest by May 28 because the mountain area will be closed on May 29.
“We cannot extend the search-and-rescue period because we cannot be risking other people due to the extreme weather. We hope this mission is successful and Hawari will be brought home safely,” said Nagulendran during a press conference held at Parliament here, today.
It was also understood that six sherpas in Nepal have already been appointed to assist with the search and rescue, while sherpas from other operators will also be roped in for additional assistance.
Hawari, who has impaired hearing, was reported missing on May 20 during the Malaysia Everest 2023 (ME 2023) mission while descending from Camp 4.
He reached the peak on May 19 at 3.30pm local time.
ME 2023 chef de mission Tan Sri Salleh Mohd Nor, meanwhile, said the rescue efforts are also being expanded to Tibet.
“The Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu informed us that the search area has been extended to cover the climbing area.
“So, the operators who are on the climbing route in the Tibetan area have been notified to help locate Hawari,” he added.
The day before Hawari went missing, another participant, Kedah Civil Defence Force director Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, 56, was reported to have died.
Organised by the Altitude Exploration Club, ME 2023 started its two-month mission to conquer Mount Everest on April 2 with the support of the government and the Youth and Sports Ministry. – The Vibes, May 24, 2023
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