Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) today marked its entry into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the Most Media Practitioners to Climb Mount Kinabalu, as 23 staff members successfully ascended Southeast Asia's highest peak on July 1.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the recognition was presented by MBOR chief operating officer Jwan Heah to Bernama editor-in-chief and Bernama Staff Club (KKB) president Arul Rajoo Durar Raj at Wisma Bernama. Arul Rajoo, who led the expedition, emphasized the accomplishment as a testament to the determination and teamwork of the Bernama staff, who managed to juggle their training with their professional responsibilities.
Arul Rajoo expressed that finding time for training amidst work commitments was challenging, but with determination, discipline, and teamwork, they successfully reached the summit. As the first Bernama editor-in-chief to conquer Mount Kinabalu, Arul hopes the achievement will inspire more activities to enhance camaraderie among the staff and encourage them to tackle future challenges.
MBOR's Jwan Heah highlighted the unique nature of the achievement, noting that it involved the largest group of media practitioners to successfully climb Mount Kinabalu. The recognition was awarded following the verification of records from Sabah Parks and the submission of photographic and video evidence by Bernama.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Maritime Network Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan, and acting deputy editor-in-chief of Economic News Services Harlina Samson, along with representatives of the expedition's strategic partners.
The expedition was supported by several strategic partners such as BMAI, Batik Air, 100Plus, and Maritime Network Sdn Bhd, among others. Additional partners included EHH Food Industry Sdn Bhd, Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), Malaysia China Insight, Saloma Bistro, Malaysia Airports, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Armada Putih Sdn Bhd, MuviiGrind, UFL, Sabah Parks, and Marathon Baker.
Expedition organising committee chairman Noor Shamsiah Mohamad, who is also a Bernama TV editor, stated that preparations began late last year and included a series of training climbs to ensure participants were physically and mentally prepared. Training sessions were held at various locations, including Gunung Datuk, Gunung Berembun, and Gunung Angsi in Negeri Sembilan, as well as Gunung Hitam in Hulu Langat and Bukit Kutu in Kuala Kubu Bharu.
Participant and reporter R. Vikneswaran described the experience as a proud moment for both the climbers and the organization, noting the challenges posed by unpredictable weather, including rain, thick fog, and strong winds during the climb. The inaugural expedition, organized by the Bernama Trailblazers Club under KKB, involved journalists, photographers, editors, Bernama TV personnel, and administrative staff, and was held in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration.