Conquer Everest Mission: Malaysian Lee Starts Climb To Everest Third Camp Tuesday

By Muhammad Afiq Mohd Asri KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's oldest climber, James Lee Chong Meng (left) Tuesday begins his climb to the Third Everest Camp at a height of 7,200 metres above sea level. The member of the 2016 Lions Mount Everest Expedition (MEE), said the climb to the camp was fraught with difficulties as he had to traverse a glacier and a rock-strewn route. "I climbed to the Second Everest Camp at a height of 6,400 metres above sea level last Friday and had rested there to acclimatise myself. "I will continue the climb to the Third Everest Camp today (Tuesday) and will go back to Second Everest Camp to rest before starting the climb to the Fourth Everest Camp," said Lee, who is at the Second Everest Camp, when contacted by Bernama. The expedition, which was organised by the Lions Club International District 308 B1, was aimed at boosting awareness of the environment in society and demonstrating the 'Malaysia Boleh' spirit. The former engineer said he would carry out climbing trainings repeatedly at the camps to acclimatise himself, before climbing to the Everest peak next month. On his health and fitness levels, Lee said he was healthy and in high spirits while the weather was clear. Lee, who started mountain-climbing as a hobby in his 40s, has climbed several mountains including Mount Kinabalu, Mount Rinjani in Indonesia, Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount Ama Dablam in Nepal. He aims to conquer the 8,848 metre-high Mount Everest in 70 days since beginning his quest on March 31. Accompanying him are sherpas Ngaa Tenji, 33, and Ang Temba, 44. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA