PUTRAJAYA: More youth, especially the “TN50 generation”, should get involved in extreme sports and expeditions to make Malaysia renowned in the international arena.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said extreme sports and expeditions could be a catalyst for Malaysia to stand equally with other developed countries.
He said the younger generation should emulate Malaysian 7 Continents Exploration Club (KE7B) president and national explorer Muhammad Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin, who will embark on an expedition to the South Pole on Dec 20.
Muqharabbin, fondly known as Qobin, will create history by becoming the first Malaysian among 70 people in the world to be recognised as a “Grand Slam explorer”.
“This expedition should motivate the TN50 generation to aim higher and realise the goal of making Malaysia one of the top 20 nations in the world.
“We already have 24 Malaysians who have conquered the Mount Everest. Our goal now is to produce 20 ‘Qobins’ by 2050,” Zahid said at the launch of KE7B Grand Slam Explorer 2017 at Implementation Coordination Unit, Perdana Putra, today.
Muqharabbin has conquered the seven highest summits in the world and the North Pole in the last 10 years. Upon completing his expedition to the South Pole come Dec 27, he will be known as a Grand Slam Explorer.
Zahid said the younger generation should learn three important elements from Muqharabbin — mental, emotional and spiritual strength.
“I have been following his development for the past 10 years because of his quality. He is mentally, emotionally and spiritually strong.
“It is not an easy task to become the first Malaysian to set foot on the South Pole and be named as a Grand Slam explorer. This should motivate the TN50 generation to make Malaysia proud in the international arena.
“Malaysia is considered a ‘new kid on the block’ in extreme sports. We have produced many icons in various fields but this is the first time we have a unique icon such as Qobin,” he said.
Zahid said the government will give recognition to Muqharabbin after he completes his journey to the South Pole.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to welcome the return of Muqharabbin after he had completed his expedition.
He also announced that he would donate RM100,000 to KE7B.
Meanwhile, Muqharabbin said he was blessed and thankful to the Malaysian government for supporting him throughout his expeditions and explorations in the last 10 years.
He said he will be leaving for Punta Arenas, Chile, on Dec 15 before heading to Union Glacier Camp in Antarctica on Dec 19. From there, he will embark on his expedition to the South Pole on Dec 20.
“I will be joining a group of explorers from all over the world there who will be heading to the South Pole. We are expected to complete the 120km expedition in seven days at most, if the weather permits,” he added
If Muqharabbin completes the expedition, he will be first Malaysian, second Southeast Asian and third Muslim to be a Grand Slam explorer.