BERNAMA ENTERS MBOR WITH RECORD MOUNT KINABALU CLIMB

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) today entered the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for Most Media Practitioners to Climb Up Mount Kinabalu, following the successful ascent of 23 staff members to Southeast Asia's highest peak on July 1.

The recognition was presented by MBOR chief operating officer Jwan Heah to Bernama editor-in-chief and Bernama Staff Club (KKB) president Arul Rajoo Durar Raj at Wisma Bernama here.

Arul Rajoo, who led the expedition, said the achievement symbolised the determination and teamwork of Bernama staff, who balanced training commitments with the demands of their work as media practitioners.

"Finding time for training was not easy given our work commitments, but through determination, discipline and teamwork, we successfully reached the summit," said Arul Rajoo at the ceremony.

Arul, who is also the first Bernama editor-in-chief to conquer Mount Kinabalu, said he hoped the achievement would inspire more activities to strengthen camaraderie among Bernama staff and encourage them to take on future challenges.

Meanwhile, Heah described the feat as a unique achievement involving the largest group of media practitioners to successfully climb Mount Kinabalu, with the recognition awarded after MBOR verified records from Sabah Parks and photographic and video evidence submitted by Bernama.

Also present were Maritime Network Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan, acting deputy editor-in-chief of Economic News Services Harlina Samson and representatives of the expedition's strategic partners.

The expedition received support from several strategic partners, including BMAI, Batik Air, 100Plus and Maritime Network Sdn Bhd.

Other strategic partners were EHH Food Industry Sdn Bhd, Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), Malaysia China Insight, Saloma Bistro, Malaysia Airports, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Armada Putih Sdn Bhd, MuviiGrind, UFL, Sabah Parks and Marathon Baker.

Expedition organising committee chairman Noor Shamsiah Mohamad said preparations began late last year and included a series of training climbs to ensure participants were physically and mentally prepared.

Noor Shamsiah, who is also a Bernama TV editor, said participants underwent training sessions at several locations, including Gunung Datuk, Gunung Berembun and Gunung Angsi in Negeri Sembilan, as well as Gunung Hitam in Hulu Langat and Bukit Kutu in Kuala Kubu Bharu.

"Unpredictable weather conditions, including rain, thick fog and strong winds, were among the main challenges faced by participants during the climb," she said.

Participant and reporter R. Vikneswaran described the achievement as a proud moment for both the climbers and the organisation.

"The first day's climb covered six kilometres to Panalaban, but the biggest challenge was the ascent to the summit from as early as 2.30 am on the second day, when we encountered thick fog and drizzle," he said.

The inaugural expedition, organised by the Bernama Trailblazers Club under KKB, involved journalists, photographers, editors, Bernama TV personnel and administrative staff, and was held in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration.

-- BERNAMA