Malaysia's Oldest Mountaineer Set For Second Attempt To Climb Everest

By Ali Imran Mohd Noordin KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's oldest mountaineer James Lee Chong Meng, 69, is all set for his second attempt to climb Mount Everest. Speaking to Bernama, Lee said that his experience last year gave him a better understanding about the 'roof of the world', thus allowing him to make better preparations this time. "This time, I must say that the confidence is there," he said. In May last year, Lee was forced to call off his final ascent to Mount Everest's summit when he reached Camp III at 7,200 metres height due to bad weather. This year, the Lion Mount Everest Expedition (MEE) 2017, organised by Lions Club Port Dickson Pantai (LCPDP) will have three participants including James. The other two climbers are Eugene Kwan Jyh Sin, 47, and Chong Nyuk Kooi, 49. Kwan and Chong will accompany James up to Mount Everest Base Camp while Lee will continue the quest to the summit. The three will depart for Kathmandu on April 1 and the expedition will flag off at Lukla on 3rd April. Lee will be carrying MEE's two important messages. First, to inspire people of all ages to capitalise on good health to take an active part in society. The expedition also calls for the stop of uncontrolled hill clearing, tree felling, land reclamation and open burning to preserve mother Earth for future generations. The Malaysian News Agency (Bernama) will play a role as the expedition's media partner. "We are amazed by Lee's determination to make a second attempt to conquer Everest. The journey which will take about two months in untold cold, difficulty and dangers made Bernama to want to share this story with all Malaysians," said Bernama General Manager, Zulkefli Salleh. LCPDP president, Othman Abd Razak said the club would be spending US$67,919 (RM300,000) for the expedition.(photoBERNAMA) --BERNAMA