71-year-old BASE Jumper Dreams Of Leaping From Burj Khalifa

KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- Age has never dampened the spirit of veteran BASE jumper Jamaludin Ismail, 71, who continues to pursue new challenges, including a decade-old dream of jumping from the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Jamaludin said the 828-metre structure remains one of the goals he hopes to achieve after more than four decades in the sport.

The Johor-born jumper said he began skydiving from aircraft in 1980 before moving on to BASE jumping, a discipline involving jumps from fixed structures or natural features, and has remained active ever since.

“I started jumping in 1980, initially from aircraft before switching to BASE jumping. Since then, I have never stopped.

“According to records, I have completed about 6,000 jumps, but if counted from 1980, the figure may have reached 10,000. I am not entirely sure because I have made so many jumps,” he said after the closing ceremony of the Terengganu International BASEjump Challenge 2026 at the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) Tower here last night.

Jamaludin, a former Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) commando engineer, said his highest jump was from an altitude of about 25,000 feet from an aircraft, which required the use of oxygen.

He said his military background had helped him develop his jumping skills, complemented by training at the Parachute Training Centre at Sungai Udang Camp, Melaka.

“I was a commando engineer and was stationed at Sungai Udang Camp for advanced free-fall training. I also took part in various BASE jumping exhibitions.

“Whenever there was an opportunity, including at unfinished buildings, I would take part in jumps, although safety considerations and site conditions must always be taken into account,” he said.

Jamaludin said his involvement in the sport earned him recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) in 2014 through the “Jump for World Peace” programme, which further motivated him to remain active despite his age.

He said his experience and track record had also been proposed for a potential recognition event in Dubai, which could provide an opportunity to pursue his long-held ambition involving the Burj Khalifa.

“The Burj Khalifa is certainly one of my targets. If the opportunity and sponsorship arise, I hope to make that dream a reality.

“My name has been included in plans for such a record for several years, but at present, it is uncertain when I can go there due to the situation in the Gulf region,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jamaludin, who participated in the Terengganu International BASEjump Challenge 2026 at the MBKT building, said the event provided an opportunity to share experiences with fellow participants from Malaysia and abroad.

He said his passion for the sport remained strong despite being in his 70s.

“As long as I have the opportunity and ability, I will continue pursuing this passion. It has become part of my life,” he said.

The Terengganu International BASEjump Challenge 2026, organised by the BASE Malaya Club at the MBKT building from Aug 6 to 8, brought together 36 participants from 12 countries.

The participants comprised 10 Malaysians and 26 jumpers from 11 other countries, including the United States, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Portugal, China, Australia, Russia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The BASE Malaya Club previously said this year's edition made history as more than 10 international participants took part in the event in Malaysia for the first time.

-- BERNAMA