THE sky’s the limit for Muhammad Hawari Hashim as he gears up to take on probably his biggest challenge in life when he and nine other climbers from across Malaysia go on a mission of climbing Mount Everest come May.
Although physically challenged, the 32-year-old Hawari, as he is fondly called, is a true inspiration for all.
The Penangite is an experienced mountain climber, and certainly not ready to rest on his laurels just yet with his latest challenge around the corner.
The 10 climbers will be representing the country in the expedition which is organised by the Federal Government under the ‘Keluarga Malaysia Everest 2022’ (KAME2022).
Out of the 10, Hawari, who has been working at the Penang State Museum for over ten years now, will be the only physically challenged individual to participate in this initiative.
While he has set his sights on making history, Hawari is also equally fired up to plant the Penang flag on Mount Everest if he completes the journey.
As a motivation for Hawari before he embarks on his journey to the earth’s highest mountain, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow handed over the state flag to him during a brief handover ceremony in Komtar on March 22.
“On behalf of the state, I wish all the climbers, especially Hawari, the very best in completing your mission to the top of Mount Everest.
“This is a huge challenge and it is hoped the Malaysian team will make our country proud. However, it is important to stay safe and abide by the safety protocols throughout the journey.
“I understand Hawari has previously gained experience of climbing several challenging mountains as well, but I am certain this is going to be a different ball game.
“I believe the staff at Penang State Museum will do their part by encouraging Hawari in his mission, and most importantly, pray hard that he will overcome challenges that may occur during his journey up to the mountain.
“Hawari must be proud of himself. The state sincerely hopes that he will accomplish his mission and become the first-ever physically challenged Malaysian to rise high on top of Mount Everest,” Chow said during the brief meeting and flag handover ceremony in Komtar on March 22.
Hawari, who hails from Kepala Batas, is married with two kids.
Previously, he has climbed mountains such as Mount Rinjani and Mount Tebing Keraton in Indonesia, Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal and others.
During the meeting, Hawari thanked the Penang State Museum for being supportive of his mission and for not giving up on him when he said he wanted to participate in this initiative.
As Hawari is deaf, an interpreter was present to translate his message to Chow, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin and others present in the room.
“Lately, I met the Prime Minister and also the Penang Governor. They were very encouraging during the sessions. It gave me all the more reason to complete this mission for my country and state.
“In my hour-long discussion with the Penang Governor recently, he had a few requests, one of which was for me to publish a book to talk about my challenges after completing this expedition and for the Penang State Museum to place my suit there (used for the climb) as a motivation for aspiring physically challenged individuals,” Hawari said.
It was learnt that the entire journey of climbing and returning to the base is expected to take 68 days.
Also present during the session was State Museum and Art Gallery director Haryany Mohamad.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis