01/07/2026 05:49 PM

Bernama Team Conquers Mount Kinabalu For HAWANA 2026, Eyes Two MBR Records

RANAU, July 1 (Bernama) -- Twenty-three staff members of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) successfully reached the summit of Mount Kinabalu today in a special expedition held in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration.

Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj who led the expedition said it also served as a platform for KKB to pursue two Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) entries, namely as the largest group of media practitioners from a single organisation to climb Mount Kinabalu, and as the first media organisation to produce news reports in four languages from the mountain's summit.

The expedition brought together personnel from various divisions, including reporters, photographers, sub-editors, Bernama TV crew members and administrative staff.

The team reached the summit of Malaysia's and Southeast Asia's highest mountain at about 7.20 am after completing a demanding ascent under unpredictable weather conditions, including rain, thick mist and strong winds.

The achievement also came a personal milestone for Arul Rajoo, who became the first Bernama Editor-in-Chief to successfully conquer the summit of Mount Kinabalu.

The climb began at Timpohon Gate at 10 am yesterday, with participants spending the night at Panalaban before resuming their ascent at 2.30 am today.

The expedition, organised for the first time by the Bernama Staff Club (KKB), also fulfilled its objective of enlivening the HAWANA 2026 celebration while fostering teamwork, strengthening physical and mental resilience, and promoting a healthy lifestyle among Bernama personnel.

The expedition received support from strategic partners, including international sportswear brand BMAI, Batik Air and 100PLUS. Other supporting organisations were EHH Food Industry Sdn Bhd, Saloma Bistro, Malaysia Airports, Malaysia Insight, UFL, Sabah Parks and Marathon Baker.

Towering at 4,095.2 metres above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is located within Kinabalu Park, which covers an area of 754 square kilometres.

The mountain is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (KUGGp).

Meanwhile, Arul Rajoo described the expedition's success as the result of meticulous planning that began at the end of last year, coupled with the strong commitment shown by Bernama personnel, who sacrificed their leave to undergo training and prepare for the climb.

"At first, I was not confident that I would be able to reach the summit because of my age and limited training. However, the encouragement and support from my Bernama colleagues gave me the confidence to take on this challenge," he said.

He said teamwork was the key factor behind the expedition's success, with participants supporting one another throughout the climb despite the unpredictable weather conditions.

"What makes me most proud is not merely reaching the summit, but the strong sense of camaraderie shown by everyone. We made sure every team member remained safe and was able to complete the climb together," he said.

He expressed hope that the achievement would inspire Bernama personnel to continue embracing a healthy lifestyle while further strengthening the spirit of teamwork.

-- BERNAMA 

 

Keywords

Latest News