King, Queen Express Condolences To Family Of Awang Askandar

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah expressed their condolences to the family of Lieutenant Colonel Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, 56, who died during the mission to the Himalayas to climb Mount Everest recently.

In a post on Istana Negara Facebook, the royal couple also conveyed their sympathies to all in the Malaysia Everest 2023 (ME 2023) team.

"Their Majesties were saddened over the passing of the Kedah Civil Defence Force director and expressed the hope that his family would remain calm in these difficult times.

"They pray that Allah SWT will shower His blessings and mercy on the deceased and may his soul be placed among the righteous,” read the post.

Meanwhile, the King and Queen also prayed that another ME 2023 climber Muhammad Hawari Hashim, 33, a hearing impaired person who was reported missing last Friday would be found and rescued immediately

Following that,  Al-Sultan Abdullah also advised all national climbers to always focus on safety and to take appropriate measures every time they go on a mountain climbing mission.

"His Majesty has also called on all the relevant parties and departments to prepare a safety guideline for climbing sports and enforce it on Malaysian climbers for their safety," read the post.

Last Friday, Muhammad Hawari was reported missing in the mountainous area when descending from Camp Four after conquering the world's highest mountain peak.

On the same day, Awang Askandar, who was also a participant in the mission was confirmed dead after falling while climbing the day before.

His Majesty also expressed the view that Malaysia should have a search and rescue (SAR) team that is trained and exposed to SAR operations in high-risk and extreme areas such as Mount Everest.

In addition, he said the country needs to have medical experts related to mountain climbing activities and that each climbing mission should have its own medical team.

“It is important for the medical team to check and ensure the health of the climbers every day and provide emergency treatment when needed," the King said in the post.

-- BERNAMA