KUNDASANG — Nine out of 10 participants, including two staff members from the Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL), successfully reached the summit of Mount Kinabalu during the Mount Kinabalu Expedition 2026 (GK26) organised by the National Registration Department (JPN) of the Federal Territory of Labuan.
The expedition, held from July 31 to Aug 1, was aimed at testing participants’ physical and mental endurance while fostering teamwork, discipline and resilience through one of Malaysia’s most challenging mountain climbs.
Led by JPN Labuan officer Amsyar Syafiq Amir Lamja, the group began its ascent from the Timpohon Gate to Panalaban on July 31 before making the final push to Low’s Peak in the early hours of Aug 1.
Amsyar Syafiq said the climbers started their summit attempt at 2.38 am under challenging weather conditions and low temperatures, navigating rocky terrain and darkness before reaching the peak.
“Alhamdulillah, nine participants successfully reached the summit of Mount Kinabalu,” he said.
The first participant to arrive at the summit was 12-year-old Muhamad Wafiq Qusyairi Amsyar Syafiq from Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Kalam, Labuan, who reached the peak at 5.40 am together with Zickyzurich Anak Rahman, accompanied by a mountain guide.
Amsyar Syafiq described the achievement as a meaningful experience, saying the climb not only tested physical endurance but also strengthened mental resilience, discipline and perseverance.
“Throughout the journey, participants continuously supported one another. Despite the demanding terrain, fatigue and weather conditions, our team spirit enabled us to complete the mission successfully,” he said.
The expedition involved two UMSKAL staff members, Farizah Ismail and Noor Lailinna Abidin; Muhamad Wafiq Qusyairi Amsyar Syafiq; Nur Wafiqah Qusyairah Amsyar Syafiq, 16, from SMK Pantai, Labuan; JPN Labuan staff Rohani Yusup, Jusiana Lutimin and Amsyar Syafiq Amir Lamja; JPN Sarawak staff Arifful Azwar Jumat and Zickyzurich Anak Rahman; and Wan Fazrina Matenoh from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Labuan.
One participant did not continue to the summit after experiencing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and remained at Panalaban.
The organisers said the expedition marked a proud achievement for all participants and demonstrated that careful preparation, discipline and determination could overcome even the toughest challenges.
