'Pray for Hawari to be found safe' - mother
MOHD ISKANDAR OTHMAN
TASEK GELUGOR - "I plead for all Malaysians to pray for Wari to be found safe," cries the mother of the 2023 Malaysia Everest (ME2023) hiker.
That was the hope of Che Tom Hassan, 64, for her son Muhammad Hawari Hashim, 33, who is deaf-mute, was reported missing after climbing to the highest peak last Friday.
She was shocked that the incident about her son was only known to her via Facebook at 11am on Saturday.
She said that despite being sad, she remained positive that the third child of five would return to the family safe and sound.
"We as a family were shocked with Wari’s disappearance, as we were previously told he had successfully conquered Mount Everest.
"After learning of Wari’s disappearance, we gathered as a family with his wife and children to wait for any developments about him," she said when met at their home in Kampung Permatang Kerai Besar here on Sunday.
Che Tom said her son was a high spirited individual who was confident and loved challenges.
She said Hawari had been active since he was young, with many demanding activities, and would be independent despite being a PWD.
"We hope Wari is well, even though I could barely sleep thinking of him.
"I tried to contact his team to gain the latest information on Wari, but it failed," she said.
Che Tom said her family, village residents, and Hawari’s friends have performed hajat prayers for his safety.
She hoped all parties would continue to pray for Hawari to be found in a safe condition.
The Himalayan Times (THT) reported on Saturday that Hawari successfully conquered the peak of Everest on Thursday before he was reported missing.
Pioneer Adventure Pvt Ltd director Nivesh Karki said Hawari was reported missing on Friday after reaching the peak and climbing down to the fourth camp.
Nivesh said the search efforts were underway, including relaying messages to all camps in the event of Hawari taking shelter at other tents.
Sources said Hawari was reported to have left the fourth camp alone in the morning without the knowledge of the guide.
Hawari hails from Penang and worked at the Penang Museum.
On April 2, the ME2023 mission was joined by Hawari and three other hikers, including mission chief Azim Afif Ishak, 35, Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, 55, and Tiong Ling Yang, 30.
However, Awang Askandar was reported to have faced health complications at 8,000 metres above sea level and died at the fourth camp at 10.30am Nepal time (12.45 Malaysia time) on Friday.
