Kota Kinabalu: The spirit of Sabah soared to new heights when a group of Malaysian climbers, including four Sabahans, raised a logo symbolising the state at 5,364 metres above sea level, just 300 metres below the summit of Kala Patthar in the Himalayas on Oct. 15.
There was no Sabah flag or indication as to who paid for the expedition or how much it cost. POIC is a government-linked company previously headed by SAPP’s Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, who broke ranks with the GRS State Government just before the election was called.
For perspective, Mount Kinabalu, Borneo’s highest peak, stands at 4,095 metres.
The four from Sabah wore the traditional “Sigah” headgear of Papar and Kadazan Papar traditional attire, their vibrant colours standing out against the snowy Himalayan backdrop.
The expedition was part-sponsored by POIC (Palm Oil Industrial Cluster), a state-owned company responsible for developing the POIC Industrial Park and operating the POIC Lahad Datu Port.
“Despite the extreme conditions, with temperatures dropping to minus 22 degrees Celsius, and after careful consideration of our guide’s advice, the team made the strategic decision not to proceed to the Kala Patthar summit.
“Yet, our resolve never wavered,” said Darlien, one of the climbers, via a WhatsApp text.
He added that the team’s spirit remained unbroken throughout their journey to Everest Base Camp, fuelled by their shared mantra: “Pushing the limits and going beyond boundaries.”The achievement, he said, reflects not only the determination of Sabahans but also the corporate ethos of POIC, one that embodies resilience, perseverance, and the courage to go beyond limits.
