Mount Rinjani was last on father's wishlist, says son as climber laid to rest
JOHOR BARU: The mountain climber who died after falling along the Banyu Urip trail of Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday (May 3), has been laid to rest on Wednesday morning.
Rennie Abdul Ghani, 57, an engineer at a private company, was laid to rest at the Mutmainah Muslim Cemetery in Pasir Gudang at 7.20am.
Earlier, the hearse carrying Rennie's remains arrived at his residence in D'Sierra Ville, Taman Sierra Perdana, at 3am, after departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
More than 150 family members and friends gathered at Surau Raudhatul Jannah, Taman Sierra Perdana, to perform funeral prayers.
Meanwhile, the eldest son of the deceased, Mohamad Akashah, 29, shared that Mount Rinjani was the last mountain his father had hoped to climb. He described his father as a responsible, firm, and hardworking individual.
"My father had climbed all the mountains in Malaysia and said he no longer wanted to climb after Mount Rinjani. He was very excited about the trip.
"Our family is saddened, but we accept it as fate. He left in a happy state, having completed Mount Rinjani, the last mountain on his 'wishlist' to climb," he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to all those who assisted in facilitating the arrangements to bring his father's remains home.
Meanwhile, actor Riezman Khuzaimi, 55, shared that the deceased was his brother-in-law and often accompanied him on mountain climbs.
"I couldn't join him this time to Mount Rinjani due to work commitments, but the deceased was known as a very kind and helpful person," he said.
"The family is relieved that the funeral arrangement went smoothly, as we have been waiting for information and the process of bringing his body home since Saturday, after he was found," he said.
Rennie was found dead by the Indonesian search and rescue (SAR) team on Sunday. The SAR team retrieved his body from the bottom of a ravine about 80m deep at 10.30am local time.
The Mount Rinjani National Park Station reportedly said that, based on information from the guide and the victim's companions, the incident occurred around 11am on Saturday when the group of climbers stopped to collect drinking water at the Banyu Urip spring. However, the deceased continued walking and did not stop to rest.
The deceased had begun the ascent on May 1 via the Sembalun route with a group of 23 people. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Indonesia reviews nickel mining in 'world's last paradise' after outcry
JAKARTA: Indonesia will review nickel mining in a region known as the "world's last paradise" and could take legal action, the environment minister said, after Greenpeace videos sparked public outcry about potential damage. The eastern archipelago of Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua Province sits in the Coral Triangle and is thought to be one of the world's most pristine reef areas, with its clear blue waters making it a popular diving spot. Greenpeace Indonesia ignited social media uproar this week with several videos highlighting nickel mining projects in the area, with one amassing 13 million views on Instagram. Indonesia has the world's biggest nickel reserves and is the biggest producer of the metal used in electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel. However, environmentalists say its rush to capitalise on supply and boost processing is causing irreparable damage to land around mines and smelters. The outcry over potential damage to the area drew a reaction from the government, with the energy ministry suspending operations at a nickel mine on one of Raja Ampat's islands pending an inspection. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said he would visit the area and vowed to punish mining firms there. "We will immediately take legal action related to activities in Raja Ampat, after going through our studies," Hanif said on Thursday, according to Indonesian media. Nickel exploitation on the islands of Gag, Kawe and Manuran has led to the destruction of more than 500ha of forest and vegetation, according to a Greenpeace Indonesia analysis. They are categorised as small islands that under Indonesian law should be off-limits to mining, the environmentalist group said. The government's response has raised hopes that spreading awareness was helping to protect Raja Ampat, Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaign team leader Arie Rompas told AFP on Friday. "We are happy because there are some actions that the government could take. We are pushing the right button with this campaign," he said.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Airport frontliners recognised for acts of courage and compassion
IT was an ordinary day at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 — until it wasn't. On Oct 15 last year, a Myanmar passenger walking near the information counter suddenly went into labour. Without warning, she found herself on the floor, in pain, and far from home. In that critical moment, a team of frontliners quickly rushed to her side. Airport CARE Ambassadors Nur Senorita Mussie, Nur Amalia Ramli and Arishahromnizam Idris; Terminal Services' Yogeswari Nagaiah; Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer Rohaizasalwa Omar; Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) staff Mohd Razlie Che Arshad, Noor Fadhilah Md Sulong, and Noorhidayah Mohd; paramedic Jeganathan Kunasegaran; and Dr Jayabalaganesan Nagendralingan from Menara Clinic worked together swiftly and calmly, helping the woman safely deliver her baby until further medical help arrived. What could have turned into a crisis became a testament to teamwork, compassion, and professionalism. For this remarkable effort, the team was honoured with the Best Front liner STAR Award, the highest recognition at the 2025 Best Front liners Awards hosted by Malaysia Airports. Held recently at Sama-Sama Hotel KL International Airport, the ceremony celebrated individuals and teams across Malaysia Airports' network who displayed extraordinary courage, sharp judgment, and professionalism in high-pressure situations. These recognitions reflect Malaysia Airports' broader direction as it moves forward, placing strong emphasis on service excellence following the company's recent privatisation. COURAGE, COMPASSION AND CALM UNDER FIRE On Jan 7 last year, amidst the usual airport bustle, an Indonesian passenger suddenly went into labour, and without hesitation, one of Malaysia Airports' own stepped in to help. With remarkable composure, AVSEC officer Lance Corporal Fatin Zafirah Zakaria supported the woman through labour and successfully delivered a healthy baby before paramedics arrived. For going above and beyond her role, Fatin received the Best Front Liner Award. At the same awards, AVSEC officer Corporal Mohammad Shafiq Safi'ai was recognised for confronting an armed man who had discharged a firearm inside Terminal 1 on April 14 last year. "I heard a loud bang, like a firecracker, then another shot. I saw a man pointing a pistol," Shafiq recalled. "I drew my weapon and took cover. I aimed at the suspect, who then pointed his gun at me. I held my position, and after a few seconds, he turned and ran." Shafiq's quick decision-making and composure under life-threatening conditions helped prevent further harm. "The situation made me realise how important it is to be alert, work with your team, and stay calm. I am truly grateful for this recognition," he said. SMALL ACTS, BIG IMPACT Not every heroic act involves dramatic scenes. Sometimes, it's the quiet persistence and teamwork that make all the difference. Airport CARE Ambassador Vivie Nurhailiza Mohd Faisal Leong was recognised for rescuing a young child left locked inside a car at the airport on Dec 9. She noticed something was off when she heard repeated honks and trusted her instincts. "I found a young child alone in a locked car, crying. "I stayed calm, reassured the child, and slowly coached them to unlock the door. It took a while. Later, we found out the child had been inside for over 40 minutes." For Vivie, the incident served as a powerful reminder: "We advised the parent not to leave a child alone again, no matter the reason. Anything could have happened." That same spirit of attentiveness and compassion was mirrored by another frontliner team comprising Customs Officer Siti Aishah Ahmad Iusof, Airport CARE Ambassador Nur Syasya Razli, Mohd Ashyik Abdul Hamid from AOCC, paramedic Nurul Syuhadah Asyqin Ossman, and ambulance driver Nor Idham Muqris Shahrol Nizam. On the evening of June 24 at KLIA Terminal 2, a 78-year-old woman collapsed near the customs screening area and was swiftly attended to by the prompt, coordinated teamwork of airport staff. Medical help arrived quickly, and the team gently assisted her to the arrival curbside where her taxi was waiting, offering comfort and care that deeply moved both her and her family. STORIES FROM ACROSS THE AIRPORT NETWORK The spirit of service extends far beyond KLIA. In Sandakan, Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) staff member Sahdan Aidil Ladah revived a passenger who had collapsed from a heart attack on Nov 15, performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator until the ambulance arrived. In Bintulu, AFRS officer Andrew Joey stepped in when a vehicle at a petrol station caught fire. Acting decisively, he activated the suppression system and evacuated civilians, preventing a possible explosion. Even at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (owned by Malaysia Airports), kindness crossed borders. Staff member Barış Burak Demirayak went out of his way to replace a child's lost toy. When the original couldn't be found, he sourced an identical one online, had it delivered, and included a handwritten note. The grateful mother later shared a photo of her daughter smiling again, a small but touching reminder of the impact thoughtful service can have. HONOURING THE HEART OF THE AIRPORT Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani paid tribute to the frontliners, calling them the "face, rhythm, and energy" of the airports. "From check-in counters to custodial teams and security checkpoints, frontliners are the first and lasting impression of our airports. "Today's winners remind us that leadership happens at every level, and that the human touch transforms ordinary service into extraordinary moments." He added that delivering a seamless, world-class passenger journey requires every part of the airport community, from ground handlers and security to retail partners and government agencies, to work in unison. "As we look to the future, these stories of courage, empathy, and dedication remind us that no single team stands alone. "Every act of service, big or small, shapes the airport experience, and when we unite as one, we create moments that passengers remember long after they leave our terminals. Sometimes, that teamwork even saves a life."
Barnama
7 days ago
- Barnama
Two Datuks Nabbed Over Fraudulent Free Haj Packages
KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) – Two individuals, both with the title 'Datuk', were arrested last Tuesday, on suspicion of involvement in fraudulent activities related to the offering of free haj packages. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said the activity was uncovered after the 'Op Haji Terkandas' task force found a group of prospective pilgrims, waiting at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Monday for an individual with the title 'Datuk'. According to him, the individual was allegedly supposed to hand over visas enabling the group to depart for the Holy Land, but the promised documents were never delivered. 'Following this, one of the victims lodged a police report, claiming that he and his wife had handed over their international passports to two individuals, who had offered them free haj packages. 'The victim was promised a flight to Makkah on June 1, 2025, but as of June 3, 2025, no flight confirmation had been received from the company,' he said in a statement today. He said that the fraud was carried out by falsely claiming that the free haj packages were offered through a travel agency, registered as a haj pilgrimage organiser (PJH) for the 2025 season. 'To date, seven police reports have been lodged in connection with the fraudulent haj package offers by the company. However, no financial losses have been reported, as the packages were offered free of charge,' he said. He added that the two suspects, a 36-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, were released on police bail after their remand period ended yesterday. The case is being investigated under Sections 420 and 511 of the Penal Code.
