Summary
In Conjunction with St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) 100 years (1908-2008) celebration, St. John Ambulance of Malaysia, State of Sabah with the collaboration of SJAM National Headquarters organised a special program to scale the Mount Kinabalu and conduct a survey on the possibility of setting up a Health Research & Rescue Centre at Mount Kinabalu to assist assurance of climbers in the future. The scaling of Mount Kinabalu was schedule 15 & 16 October 2008.
79 participants from Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor, Sabah and Perak. The scaling started on the 15 October 2008 from the foot of the mountain Kinabalu Park headquarters at 1,564 m. After resting at Laban Rata (3,273 m), the team set of to reach the peak on 16 October 2008 at 2.00 am and successfully reached the highest peak of Low’s Peak (4,095 m) at 6.40 am. Out of 79 participants, 62 including two from Perak managed to reach the peak and fly our states flag.
Flash Back
Together with me was my Cadet member Fong, Mr. Mohan (NHQ) and 2 other officers from Selangor Woon and Kirtan. We arrived in Kota Kinabalu on the 13/10/2008 from LCCT KL. At the airport we meet officers from Sabah who took us to check in into a hotel and rest. A total of 13 of us were from Peninsular Malaysia.
A very nice hotel situated at the brand NEW 1 Borneo shopping complex. I was happy that most of the officers who came opted for room sharing, although all of us were entitled for a room. In this way, we could cut cost for the organisers.
National HQ paid for the airfare and we only need to fork out RM 800.00. For a 6 day 5 night stay it was really a fair deal. After dinner that night I slept early. Wanted to get rest and reenergise myself.After breakfast on the 14/10/2008 we visited the SJAM Sabah HQ. 
Very big place thanks to their government but sad to say the place was poorly kept. Sorry to the Sabah members and officers but this is my frank response. For me I am serious about appreciating people’s money! People donate and we have to make sure all money donated must be used properly and if we have invested in a building, we should make sure we take care of the property. Apart from the huge HQ complex they do have quite a number of ambulances
.
Anyway we left at noon to Kundasang to another hotel. After lunch we rested. From the hotel I could see the mountain. The first thing bothering my mind was can I reach the peak ????
That night we were divided into groups and briefed. We were supposed to do some survey for the Rescue & First Aid Base, Project being proposed by SJAm Sabah to their State Government.
The next morning I was excited! And there was also fear! Fear would I be able to reach the peak? Although I trained for a few weeks, there were still fear that I wont be able to reach the peak.
After arriving at the foot of the hill, registration was being done. We were offered to get a guide, to carry our belongings, 1 kg cost RM 8.00 and my bag is 10 kg so it would be RM 80.00 ! Anyway I made up my mind from the beginning to carry my backpack. Further I spent some money about RM 300.00 to get a new bag. The old one was damaged and not suitable for long hikes. This will be my opportunity to put myself and my bag for a test.
We started hiking at 10.00 am, each of us was provided with a lunch box. As we were hiking, I really felt calm and relaxed. Fresh air, coldness and the sound of the jungle made me just sit there and admire Mother Nature.
As we walked and hiked the journey became tougher and tougher. Luckily every 1 km there was a stop (chalet/hut) for us to rest and get some drinking water. We were also entertained by friendly squirrels. At that time it reminded me of my old friend “Tupai” .
I reached Laban Rata at 4.30 pm. After a shower I took a nap and when I woke up, it was dinner time. I had one bad pricking pain inside my head and felt as though I had fever. Actually it was due to altitude sickness. Anyway took 2 panadols and went back to sleep.
Woke up at 12.30 am . After briefing and prayers we set off. It was dark and again my equipments were put to the test. As I hiked I saw plenty of lamps (used by the participants) ahead of me. It was one beautiful sight as though the whole area was lit with lights welcoming us. We were lucky to be able to see clearly as the full moon guided us through the pitch darkness. 
I had difficulties in breathing and nearly gave up, but some how I pushed myself and said I won’t give up. I don’t want to waste the effort and training I put in. Also didnt want to let down the people who have given me the morale support. 
Finally at around 6.50 am I reached the peek of Mount Kinabalu! Mr Yeong, 58 (person in the above photo)was already at the peek and waiting for me to bring the state flag. I was proud and amazed of his determination. He really is a person who lead through example and the only Senior Officer I truely admire.
It was one breathtaking view. I spent there around 30 minutes observing the view, say a short prayer thanking God for the wonderful gift of nature and the energy he gave me to reach the peak. successfully. I would not use the word “conquer” as I realised I am just another human being sharing that short moment and would not be here (in this world) for ever. I am just a fragile being given a chance to share Gods creation. And I am sure this magnificent mountain was here before I was born and will still be there until my last breath.
I reached Laban Rata at 10.30 am, after a light breakfast I took another 2 panadols and went back to sleep. I woke up at 12 pm packed up and left with the others at 1 pm. Suddenly I felt energised and feeling my mission was accomplished.
As I made my way down, I was asking my self when I will come again to this beautiful place.
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