Only five days left to find Hawari
NAZRIN ZULKAFLI
SHAH ALAM - Last May 20, the media extensively reported on the disappearance of a Malaysian Everest 2023 (ME2023) mountaineer who is also hearing-impaired Muhammad Hawari Hashim.
His disappearance was reported after he successfully climbed to the summit the highest peak on May 18 while on his way down from Camp Four.
Following that, a search and rescue (SAR) mission was carried out to find Hawari.
The matter also gained attention from the government, a donation of RM1.46 million was raised to help in the search and rescue mission for Hawari.
Nevertheless, the Nepalese authorities have announced and issued a notice of the complete closure of climbing activities to the summit of Everest starting May 28, this will cause the SAR mission to be halted.
However, Malaysian Mission Everest 2023 (ME2023) head, who is also the Malaysian Altitude Exploration Club president Azim Afif Ishak said, with the help of the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, the SAR mission has been extended for five days.
According to him, the SAR mission this time will use advanced technology, namely two high-tech drones that will be controlled by a mountaineer Tiong Ling Yang, 30, ME2023 team manager Ayu Wanirah Naharuddin, 30, and a mountain guide based at Camp Two in the mountainous area.
Azim said, among them are drones that can perform detection of up to over 8,000 meters above sea level and dangerous areas that cannot be entered by rescuers and mountain rangers.
He explained, if the drone initiative succeeds in detecting objects, suits of clothing or other equipment used by Hawari, mountain rangers will be assigned to the area to identify them.
"This initiative can save costs and be more effective. At the same time, we have also appointed 10 mountain guides who are always ready to help if needed," he said.
The technology can also simultaneously reduce or prevent SAR mission members involved from encountering any untoward events.
It is hoped that with technology and the additional time that has been given, it can help the team in finding Hawari.
