THE Foreign Ministry, through the Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu, is currently providing assistance to bring down the body of Kedah Malaysian Civil Defence Force director Lt Col Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, who died during the Malaysia Everest 2023 (ME 2023) mission on Saturday.

The ministry said in a statement today the body of Awang Askandar would be brought down from Everest to a hospital in Kathmandu for a post-mortem and funeral arrangements.

The ministry also confirmed that Awang Askandar, 56, died yesterday during ME 2023 mission.

“The ministry conveys its condolences to the family of the deceased and prays that his soul will be blessed and placed among the righteous,” the statement said.

Three other climbers and a support team member had joined in the expedition. 

The ministry also confirmed that another climber, Muhammad Hawari Hashim, 33, who is hearing impaired, was missing.

“He is believed to have reached the peak of Everest and started his descent but has not been found until now.

“The embassy is in close contact with local authorities who are actively carrying out search efforts in the area,” it said, adding that any latest developments will be notified from time to time. 

Organised by Altitude Exploration Club, Malaysia Everest 2023 started the two-month mission to conquer the world’s highest peak on April 2 with the support of the government and the Youth and Sports Ministry.

The mission also seeks to promote unity and build the nation through ethnic diversity. – Bernama, May 21, 2023.