FIREMAN EMBARKS ON EVEREST CHARITY CLIMB

SEPANG, April 7 (Bernama) — Senior Fire Officer I, Mohd Fakhrul Munir Mohd Isa will depart for Nepal tonight to embark on a mission to conquer Mount Everest under the Bomba de Everest Charity Climb Project ‘Mencari Hati Emas’ 2025.

Besides being a personal achievement, the project also aims to raise funds to help firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty, as well as those still in service.

Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad described Mohd Fakhrul Munir’s effort as a tremendous sacrifice, as he is carrying the department’s and the country’s name onto the world stage.

“He has voluntarily taken unpaid leave to allow for thorough preparation before reaching this final stage. And when he takes unpaid leave, we know that he has no income.

"So let us all pray that Fakhrul’s journey and affairs are eased, and that his climb will be smooth and safe,” he told reporters after the Bomba de Everest Climb Send-off Ceremony at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 here today.

Mohd Fakhrul Munir, 43, from Sik, Kedah, is a member of the Bomba Special Air Unit (PASKUB) based at JBPM's Central Region Air Base, and has over 30 years of climbing experience.

Now physically and mentally prepared, Mohd Fakhrul Munir said his preparations have gone smoothly, with his previous climbing experiences locally and abroad helping him adapt to high-altitude climbs.

“Upon arrival in Kathmandu, I will do several preliminary climbs to acclimatise and avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). I am expected to be in Nepal for about two months before beginning the charity climb to Mount Everest.

“In February, I conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which stands at 5,895 metres above sea level. That experience also helped me adapt to high altitudes, especially in terms of breathing, appetite, and sleep patterns,” he said.

The project has the full support of the JBPM top management and is jointly organised by Kelab Kembara Kosmopolitan, Gedung Penawar Sdn Bhd, and Kumpulan Al Baghdadi Group Sdn Bhd.

-- BERNAMA