GEORGE TOWN: The search for missing 33-year-old Malaysian Everest 2023 (ME 2023) climber Muhammad Hawari Hashim will continue during the next hiking season between April and May next year.
This was the assurance given by Pioneer Adventure director Nivesh Karki to Hawari's family during the Eternal Ascent: Journey with the Malaysian Everest Expedition 2023 programme organised by the Penang Museum Board here today.
Present were Hawari's mother, Che Tom Hassan, 64, wife, Saffiyah Tang Xie Lie, 34, children, Hana Sakeena, four, and Haris Suffian, two as well as other family members.
"Let me assure you that the search for Hawari will go on next year and the following years until we are able to find him.
"We have alerted other companies organising such expedition to Mount Everest to be on the lookout for Hawari and we are offering an award to those who find him.
"Since Hawari went missing (while using our company's services) it is our responsibility to look for him," he said when met at the programme.
A video on Hawari's Everest experience prior to him missing was shown to the crowd.
Nivesh had flown in from Nepal to attend today's programme.
He wanted to personally meet with Hawari's family and upon hearing this, Che Tom burst into tears.
Nivesh acknowledged that while the search might be difficult it was not impossible.
He said the remains of a climber, who was reported missing back in 1942, were discovered in 2019, in almost perfect condition.
"So, we believe that it is not something impossible and we will continue the search for Hawari.
"We just need some clues, any clues, so we can start somewhere," he added.
When approached later, Che Tom said she was grateful the search for her son continued.
"Come what may. We just want to see him. If he is no longer with us, we also want to see his body.
"Only then, can we will finally have closure."
Che Tom said she was happy to get back Hawari's things during his Everest expedition.
"It took us a while before we have the courage to open the bag to see his things.
"The suit he wore during the hike is hung in Saffiyah's room. Every time I enter the room, I can feel his presence there.
"I also took a T-shirt he usually wore to bed every night," she added.
Meanwhile, Saffiyah said she often kept herself busy so that she does not think about Hawari all the time.
"I have to be strong. My life has to go on for me and our two children. I am grateful to my in-law's family for being my pillar of strength."
Saffiyah said their daughter Hana Sakeena was the closest to Hawari.
"She asked me about Hawari every night. I know she misses him. She even cries.
"I can only soothe her. I told her you should also think of me. I just want my children to grow up strong and happy," she said.
Saffiyah has started work early this month as a clerical part-time staff at the Welfare Department.
She works three days a week and earns RM700 monthly.
It was reported that the search for Hawari was suspended in June this year and might resume next year.
Hawari went missing during a descend and rest at Camp Four after successfully conquering the summit of Everest.