SHAH ALAM: DRB-Hicom Bhd is celebrating Merdeka by sending a seven-member expedition called “Mission 57 years, 57 hours” to Mount Kinabalu.
National solo climber Mohd Noor Mat Amin, who is leading the expedition, is hoping to enter the Malaysia Book of Records by ascending the mountain five times in 57 hours, to mark the 57th Merdeka celebration.
Mohd Nor, 47, who is confident of completing the challenge, said he would start his climb tomorrow and expects to complete it on Sunday.
He started preparing for the expedition three months ago. He will be joined by six Sahabat DRB-Hicom — four DRB-Hicom staff and two International College of Automotive students — in the final ascent.
The six who are aged between 19 and 40 are among 10 volunteers who went through a rigorous selection process that included physical and medical tests to assess their fitness level.
“This is going to be a historical moment for DRB-Hicom,” said managing director Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil, who sent them off at the company’s office in Glenmarie, here, on Monday.
“The expedition is meant to instil perseverance and a fighting spirit among DRB-Hicom staff. Conquering the peak of Mount Kinabalu also holds a symbolic meaning as it mirrors the challenges faced by our elders to achieve independence.
“This is our way of showing patriotism and love towards the country in commemorating the 57th Merdeka Day,” he said.
After giving Jalur Gemilang and DRB-Hicom flags to expedition members, Khamil handed a RM166,787.45 cheque to Media Prima Bhd’s Palestine Humanitarian Fund.