Three 21-year-old Malaysian hikers celebrated Merdeka by raising the Jalur Gemilang at 4,130m above sea level at Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal.
PETALING JAYA: With the towering Himalayas as their backdrop, three young Malaysians found a memorable way to mark Merdeka – raising the Jalur Gemilang at 4,130m above sea level, thousands of kilometres from home.
Muhammad Waiz Zharfan Shahril Nizam, Muhammad Nasrul Ashman Shahrum and Muhammad Izzy Iqbal Zainal Abidin, all 21, marked the occasion at Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal after completing the challenging trek.
For Waiz, the idea was a way to celebrate Merdeka while combining the trio’s shared passion for hiking and adventure.
“Since the three of us share the same passion for hiking and adventure, we thought bringing the Jalur Gemilang with us to Annapurna Base Camp would be a special way to celebrate our love for Malaysia even when we were far away from home,” he told theSun.
The celebration continued a tradition for the trio, who marked Merdeka last year at Mount Rinjani in Indonesia.
Waiz said Annapurna Base Camp was already among their dream destinations, but reaching it around Merdeka made the journey even more meaningful.
“At 4,130m above sea level, surrounded by the Himalayas, we felt it would be an unforgettable place to raise our Malaysian flag,” he said.
The trio prepared through hiking, running and exercises to build their stamina, while also preparing mentally for long days, endless uphill steps, unpredictable weather and the effects of high altitude.
Waiz said supporting one another was crucial throughout the trek.
“We focused on taking things one day at a time and supporting each other throughout the trek,” he said.
For Nasrul, reaching the base camp brought a mixture of relief, excitement and pride. The moment became even more special when we raised the Jalur Gemilang together.
“We were tired, but at that moment, we just felt proud that we made it there together as Malaysians.”
The experience also deepened his appreciation for Malaysia.
“Being so far away from home and surrounded by the Himalayas made me realise that no matter where we go, Malaysia will always be a part of us.
“It was a special feeling to celebrate our independence in such an unexpected place and raising the Jalur Gemilang at 4,130m made the moment even more meaningful and memorable.”
Izzy described watching the national flag flutter in the strong mountain winds, surrounded by the cold and towering Himalayan peaks, as a moment of pride.
The trek also prompted the trio to reflect on life back home. Waiz said hearing about floods affecting parts of Nepal during their trip made them think about their families in Malaysia and appreciate their safety.
“It made us realise how quickly situations can change, especially when we are far from home.
“More than anything, it reminded us to be grateful for every experience and never take our safety and time with the people we love for granted.”
