Kuala lumpur: No matter how advanced climbing equipment and rescue operations have become, mountains remain inherently dangerous and demand the utmost respect, said the first Malaysian to conquer Mount Everest, Datuk M. Magendran.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Magendran emphasized the importance of thorough preparation as the key to a safe expedition, whether scaling a modest hill or the world's highest peak. He reflected on incidents involving Malaysian climbers, highlighting that despite modern advancements, mountains like Everest retain their formidable challenges.

"Thirty years ago, the equipment we used was primitive. Today, the gear is far more modern and sophisticated, but Mount Everest remains the same, and so do its challenges," Magendran stated during Sigaram, a motivational talk organized by Time Lapse Adventures at Universiti Malaya. He urged respect and caution, stressing that comprehensive preparation is crucial because "that is not our place."

Magendran pointed out that, unlike three decades ago when mountaineering equipment was scarce and expensive in Malaysia, climbers today have easy access to a wide range of quality and affordable gear through numerous outdoor speciality stores nationwide.

Addressing around 130 outdoor enthusiasts, Magendran underscored that reaching the summit alone should never be seen as the ultimate achievement. He stressed that climbers can only claim success if they return safely. He also recounted the physical, mental, and emotional challenges faced during the historic Malaysian Everest Expedition, in which he and Datuk N. Mohanadas became the first Malaysians to summit Everest on May 23, 1997.

Magendran described the feat as a defining moment in his life and revealed plans to publish a book documenting his Everest journey in conjunction with the upcoming 30th anniversary of the historic achievement.

Reflecting on the 2023 Mount Everest climbing season, Magendran cited it as a particularly tragic period for Malaysian mountaineers. He recalled the disappearance of Muhammad Hawari Hashim, the first Malaysian with hearing and speech disabilities to scale Everest, who went missing while descending from the summit. In the same year, another Malaysian climber, Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, died, while two other climbers were rescued, highlighting the dangers of extreme altitude, exhaustion, and unpredictable weather.

At the end of the event, Magendran presented mementoes and certificates to 33 hikers for completing the G7 and G11 challenges, the seven and eleven highest peaks in Peninsular Malaysia respectively. Special awards were given to two hikers who completed the challenging Trans Titiwangsa V4 and V6 routes.

Magendran and Mohanadas made history as the first Malaysians to conquer Mount Everest in 1997. Mohd Khafiz Bachok recently became the nation's 30th Everest summiteer last month. Recent hiking incidents in Malaysia have also garnered public attention, including the tragic death of 19-year-old Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, and the rescue of 49-year-old Jaslinda Saludin, highlighting the persistent dangers of mountain expeditions.