KOTA KINABALU: Buatin Blandong is looking forward to someone breaking his record as the oldest Malaysian climber to have conquered Mount Kinabalu.
He recently made headlines for reaching the mountain's peak at the age of 90 on Sept 5.
The nonagenarian was inspired to climb one more time after he made a similar record at the age of 83 in 2015.
"In that year (2015), it was just a climb but when I found out from newspapers that I actually made a record, I was shocked and touched. It made me excited to scale the mountain one more time.
"Actually, my main objective was to become the 'pioneer' and inspire others, especially people of Sabah to prove that they too can be as strong as the next foreigner to climb the mountain.
"So, go ahead, I will not be upset if others want to challenge my record," he said in an interview at his residence in Putatan near here, adding that he had no plan to climb again in the future.
To date, a foreigner still holding the record as the oldest climber at the age of 96 in 2006.
The journey to make the historical climb was not impromptu nor smooth sailing, said Buatin.
He had wanted to do it in May 2020, but due to the movement control order during the Covid-19 pandemic, he had to put it on hold.
Instead of doing the online booking, his family members had contacted Sabah Parks management and he was thankful for the special permission granted to him to climb between Sept 4 and 6.
Buatin, who passed his medical checkup with flying colours, was accompanied by his four children, five grandchildren and six family friends.
Being an active sports person since young with intensive 8 months training prior to the climb, he described the recent climb as difficult and painful.
It was pouring throughout his climb and the temperature dropped to nine degree Celsius.
"It was tough. But I prayed many times to have the energy to complete the mission. God listened…I believe in Him.
"My lower back was in pain; I could not talk as my tongue became stiff due to the cold weather and I was lightheaded.
"This heart, however, refused to give up. I was determined to reach the top. When I was at the peak, I was elated. It was just like how I imagined," he said.
Unlike most people who usually suffered soreness after the climb, Buatin only caught a cold.
He attributed his fast recovery, strength and longevity to a healthy and active lifestyle.
The former boilermaker at the Sabah Railway Department was a bodybuilder and a boxer that had won championships against foreign sailors who came to Sabah during his younger days.
He is also an enthusiast in martial arts such as silat, enjoys cycling, running and hiking as well as tug of war among others.
"Also, one should consume meat sparingly. For me, I take meat once or twice a month. On top of that, one should always pray," said Buantin, who does not suffer from any non-communicable diseases.
Meanwhile, one of the three mountain guides Yasi Takun, 54, said that it was an honour to help Buatin to achieve his record-breaking dream.
"It was quite challenging, and we were worried that something bad would happen.
"He did tell us that he needed to rest whenever he felt like blacking out. But luckily everything went smoothly.
"Despite his age and mobility, it was admirable to see a Sabahan like him was high-spirited to conquer the mountain," said Yasi, who has been a guide for seven years.
Another two guides were Azlie Donald and Inuddin Mahatin.