Malaysian King Visits Antartica Scientific Centre

From Mudanoran Mushaari SCOTT BASE (ANTARCTICA), Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on Tuesday took a 20-minute helicopter ride to visit scientific centres in Antarctica. The Aerospace EC130 helicopter was manned by Captain Rob McPhail. Also present were Chief Executive of Antarctica New Zealand Lou Sanson, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Academy of Sciences Malaysia Antarctica Taskforce chairman Salleh Mohd Nor and the writer. The King was first taken to Cape Royds where the Shackleton's Hut was located. The hut was built by Ernest Shackleton during his expedition between 1901 and 1904. Tuanku Mizan and his entourage were also taken to see the panoramic view of the Barne Glacier with its sculptures rising about 30 metres above water level, as well as the Emperor Penguin, which is the tallest and heaviest of all living penguin species. The trip continued with a visit to Scott's Hut in Cape Evans. The hut was built by Robert Falcon Scott during his expedition to Antarctica between 1910 and 1913. It is learnt that the conservation works on the two huts were being done as an effort to preserve the historic sites for researchers and scientists in the South Pole. The two huts had become iconic and historic destinations for researchers and scientists in Antarctica. During the return trip, Tuanku Mizan was also given a tour and aerial view of Scott Research Centre. -- BERNAMA Malaysia