Nearly 70, Captain A. Aziz Still 'Jumps From The Sky' With Unwavering Passion

PUCHONG, July 16 (Bernama) -- While many his age might prefer light exercises or quiet time with family, retired Captain A. Aziz Ahmad continues to embrace life the extreme way -- this time by joining the Genting Highlands International Base Jump 2025, leaping from a height of 6,106 feet above sea level.

The president of Kelab Ababil Base Jump said he wants to live courageously, believing that age is merely a number and that life should be fully enjoyed -- even as he prepares to turn 70 on October 1.

“I began jumping at 19 and previously served in the Air Force Ground Defence Unit (HANDAU), now known as the Special Air Service (PASKAU).

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“That’s why I’ve logged over 3,500 jumps -- though I stopped counting after that. Jumping makes me feel young again, and I’ve really looked forward to Genting Highlands because it’s a challenge - jumping above the clouds,” he said at a press conference on the event here today.

Recalling a harrowing moment in his jumping career, A. Aziz said one of the most unforgettable incidents was when he collided with the structural mast of the Kuala Lumpur Tower during a BASE jump in 2004, which left his left thigh severely fractured -- now reinforced with permanent titanium implants.

Despite several serious injuries, his spirit remains unshaken.

“My thinking is -- why should I stop? There are people who’ve climbed Everest with prosthetic legs. If we’re fully able-bodied, why can’t we do it?” said A. Aziz, who aims to make at least two jumps daily at the Genting Highlands event.

Meanwhile, another Malaysian jumper, Shamsudin Mohamed Amin, who has 28 years of experience in the field, said feeling fear before a jump is a natural human instinct.

However, he views that fear as a source of strength -- one that sharpens focus, especially since jumping techniques remain consistent regardless of location.

“For me, the Genting Highlands experience will be unique because of the mountainous terrain and elevation. Normally on the mainland, everything is level.

“I’m targeting three jumps per day, but that depends on factors like how quickly I can pack my parachutes. I’ve got three parachutes of my own,” he said.

The event at Genting Highlands is organised through a collaboration between Hoverland Sdn Bhd and Kelab Ababil Base Jump, and will gather over 50 professional jumpers from around the world from Oct 17-19 at the Wyndham Grand Ion Majestic Hotel, Genting Highlands.

For safety assurance, trial runs involving eight professional jumpers were conducted on July 5-6. Other safety measures include the deployment of medical teams, ambulances, and official involvement from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Civil Defence Force (APM).

BASE jumping, an extreme sport, derives its name from the four launch categories -- Buildings, Antennas, Spans (bridges), and Earth (natural high points).

-- BERNAMA