PETALING JAYA: National Journalism Laureate Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar said trekking and mountain climbing deserve greater media attention because they embody resilience, discipline and respect for nature.
Speaking at the Gathering of Trekkers & Climbers at his Bukit Gasing residence today, Johan said the achievements of Malaysian climbers and trekkers often go unnoticed despite their extraordinary feats.
“The tradition of climbing and trekking is something that sometimes does not receive much attention from the media,” he said, adding that he hoped this would change so more people understood the passion, sacrifices and values behind these activities.
The gathering brought together seasoned mountaineers, novices and enthusiasts, including climbers who have summited some of the world’s highest peaks. Among those present were the first Malaysian to conquer Mount Everest, Datuk M. Magendran, and the second Malaysian to do so, Datuk N. Mohandas, as well as young trekkers and corporate leaders.
The event was a celebration of both achievement and camaraderie among Malaysia’s mountaineering community. Stories highlighted included the remarkable feat of a group of trekkers who walked from Gua Musang to Fraser’s Hill, also known as the Trans-Titiwangsa V6 Trail, in 65 days.
Johan, who has long been inspired by the exploits of Malaysian mountaineers, recounted his own trekking experiences in Indonesia, Nepal and Bali, including celebrating his 70th birthday on Mount Batur. The former Media Prima chairman also drew parallels between his journalism career and mountaineering.
“That’s why whenever people ask me about my experience as the Utusan Malaysia chief editor and Media Prima chairman, I say it’s like climbing an 8,000-metre mountain. The rarified air, the problems you’re facing, the challenges, the weather and everything, it’s similar to that,” he said.
Meanwhile, Qayum Ahmad, one of the Trans-Titiwangsa V6 Trail participants, said the challenge was as much mental as it was physical.
“For me, one of the toughest stretches was named B5. It was rarely explored, and we had to hack our way through from start to finish,” he said. He added that the best part was the journey itself, “moving from valley to valley and peak to peak”.
Qayum, who said the experience also taught him patience and tolerance, said travelling with strangers was fun because “you learn how to be patient and how to work together”.
He hoped to see continued support for such expeditions and said events like the gathering play a role in attracting young people to the activity.
“We don’t have many platforms. That’s why we hope the media can highlight these events so people know this exists in Malaysia. Hopefully, there will be more expeditions that go even further,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
