Mooting the Climb
Kota Kinabalu, 25 June 2025 – Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF) celebrated its 10th anniversary by successfully reaching the peak of ASEAN’s highest mountain, Mount Kota Kinabalu (Mount KK).
The journey to the peak of Southeast Asia’s highest peak began only a few months ago, when GGAF’s Executive Director, Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr Mahadi Mohamad initiated the plan to have GGAF’s name entered into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR). Mahadi then personally hand-picked Mohd Nazry Bin Ali, Muhd Hafizuddin Bin Abdul Muthalib, Khairunnikman Bin Khairul Anwar, Balamurugan Ratha Krishnan, Mohd Syafeeq Bin Mohd and Wayne Lim – six individuals from diverse backgrounds to join him on the history-making mission.
The Countdown to the Summit
Led by team captain Nazry and assistant Hafizuddin, the team trained together for the three months before the trip. When the time came, they received a surprise upon their arrival in Kota Kinabalu when they were informed that Raj Gurung, a recent Mount Everest Summiter, a term given to a person who has reached the peak of Everest, was joining them for the GGAF Mount KK MBOR mission. The newest team member immediately elevated the team’s spirit to a new level.
Making the Ascent
After spending one night in Kundasang, they began their mission on the morning of June 24 at Timpohon Gate. The first part of the climb from Timpohon to Panalaban is a 6-kilometre journey that takes 4–6 hours for average climbers. While the climb was tough, all team members successfully arrived at Panalaban.
Given the short turnaround time and knowing that the real challenge would lie in the climb during the early hours of 25 June, the team prepared itself for the challenge ahead. Climbers are required to start their summit ascent at 0230hrs and check themselves in at the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint before 0530hrs in order to proceed to the next part.
The Tough Gets Going
The GGAF team began their climb slightly after 0230hrs. With favourable weather conditions, all members passed the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint at 0430hrs and continued towards the peak. The journey from Sayat-Sayat towards the peak became increasingly challenging, with steep rocks to climb and a significant drop in temperature due to the higher altitude of over 3,000 metres.
Well-prepared and with high spirits and determination, all members reached Mount KK’s peak together after a four-hour ascent. While they could celebrate, they had one more push to make – the MBOR Highest Altitude International Environmental Virtual Conference, scheduled to take place at noon.
Making History
After group photos, the team decamped to prepare for the virtual conference. With the assistance of Sabah Park and Sutera Sanctuary Lodge, the MBOR virtual conference commenced and was attended by representatives from countries worldwide. The chair and conference participants reviewed and discussed the agenda. When the conference ended at 1245hrs, the GGAF MBOR mission was accomplished – and a new history made!
For more information about GGAF and how you can contribute to environmental sustainability, please visit: https://greengrowthasia.org
