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Tag: Via Ferrata

  • MOE: TKPS Students Were On Simpler Via Ferrata Route

    MOE: TKPS Students Were On Simpler Via Ferrata Route

    The Ministry of Education (MOE) clarified on Wednesday (Jun 10) that the Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS) team was on a simpler route on Mount Kinabalu when the earthquake struck.

    Compared with the regular Via Ferrata route, where the elevation of the starting point is 3,520m, the pupils, teachers and their guides began on a route at an elevation of 3,411m, stated the MOE.

    Mountain Torq, which manages the Via Ferrata, added that this was also a shorter route – 281m (indicated in red below) instead of the original route (in green), which is 430m long.

    An MOE spokesperson said: “This is a less steep route compared to the full Walk the Torq route.” She confirmed that the TKPS teams have been using the simplified route since 2010.

    On Sunday, the MOE, based on its initial interviews with teachers and pupils who survived the trip, said the team were on the well-known Via Ferrata route.

    A Via Ferrata is a mountain path comprising a series of rungs, rails and cables on the rock face. Climbers must wear helmets and harnesses to attempt this route and must be at least 10 years old.

    The school has been sending teams to Mount Kinabalu for the past seven years, attempting the original route for the first two years, said Mountain Torq marketing director Quek I-Gek.

    She said the simplified route was also only for a selected group of trekkers. Referring to the TKPS pupils who had taken the Via Ferrata, Ms Quek added: “They’re the best students we’ve guided. Consistently, they’re better physically and mentally.”

     

    Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

  • Bodies Of Missing Tanjong Katong Primary Student And Teacher Found

    Bodies Of Missing Tanjong Katong Primary Student And Teacher Found

    The bodies of the remaining missing pupil and teacher from Tanjong Katong Primary School have been identified, said the Ministry of Education on Wednesday.

    “We are saddened to inform that the Malaysian authorities have confirmed that Navdeep Singh Jaryal s/o Raj Kumar and Mohammad Ghazi Bin Mohamed are amongst the persons who perished at Kota Kinabalu,” said the statement.

    “Their next-of-kin have been informed. Their remains will return to Singapore upon completion of further forensic tests. This is expected to take some time. We will continue to provide support to the families during this difficult time.”

     

    Source: www.straitstimes.com

  • Sabah Quake: Victims Remembered Fondly

    Sabah Quake: Victims Remembered Fondly

    The last time 12-year-old Keito Kowaka met his football team-mate Ameer Ryyan Mohd Adeed Sanjay, they went out for a meal and had bubble tea. Little did he know that it would be the last time he saw his friend, who was known for his football skills and was an member of F-17, started by local football legend Fandi Ahmad.

    Ryyan was among the six students from Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS) who lost their lives when an earthquake struck Sabah on Friday. A TKPS teacher and an adventure guide engaged by the school also died on the mountain. The students were on a school trip to Mount Kinabalu.

    “He was a competitive boy and very good in football. He was called for the Singapore Sports School trials,” said Keito of Ryyan, who was vice-captain of TKPS’ football team.

    Former student Andre Aide Iskandar, 14, also recalls scouting Ryyan into the football team. He had noticed Ryyan’s footwork and speed while he was playing football during recess on the first day of school.

    “I’m very sad to hear about Ameer Ryyan because he has been like a little brother to me. I’ve been taking care of him since he was in this school,” he said.

    Yesterday, friends and family gathered for the wake of Peony Wee, 12, whose body was the first to be identified on Saturday. Speaking at the wake, her father, Mr Alson Wee, 51, described her as “active” and “jovial”.

    Smiling as he described her, Mr Wee said: “She’s talkative, which is good because she could practice her debating (skills).” He said the wake would end on Thursday morning, after which she would be cremated.

    Friends and acquaintances of the other deceased were shocked and saddened to learn of the news yesterday. Engineer Low Jun Wei, 29, met TKPS teacher Terrence Sebastian Loo on a teaching course four years ago.

    “He was very friendly and helped to break the ice between everyone by coming over and saying ‘Hello’ to all of us,” said Mr Low.

    Undergraduate Geraldine Mark was childhood friends with adventure guide Muhammad Daanish Amran. Even as a child, Daanish was an outdoor activities lover, she said. “He lives a few blocks away from me, so we used to meet at the playground every evening and play football or other games,” recounted Ms Mark, 21. “He was a funny person, really easygoing.

    Two Singaporeans remain missing: student Navdeep Singh Jaryal s/o Raj Kumar, and teacher Mohammad Ghazi Mohamed.

    Ms Lee Yoo Jin, 17, a former TKPS student who visited the condolence corner set up for well-wishers at TKPS yesterday, recounted her memories of Mr Ghazi, who led her on the same trip five years ago when she was at TKPS.

    The Physical Education teacher and hockey teacher-in-charge was a dedicated educator, said Ms Lee, citing a quote that he once wrote on the school’s album: “Leave no man behind”.

    Mr Ghazi was also Tara’s form teacher last year, and taught her English and Physical Education. “Mr Ghazi (is) a very caring teacher. He always encouraged us to do our very best. He always showed compassion for his students in everything he did,” she said.

     

    Source: www.todayonline.com

  • Sabah Mountain Guides Hailed As Heroes

    Sabah Mountain Guides Hailed As Heroes

    PETALING JAYA: Sabahan mountain guides have emerged as heroes in the aftermath of a 5.9-magnitude earthquake for playing key roles in search and rescue efforts.

    Photos of the “unsung heroes” transporting injured Mount Kinabalu climbers to safer ground were posted on social media yesterday to much praise and appreciation.

    Facebook user Nona Aaliyah hailed the mountain guides as “heroes and the most kind hearted souls I have met”.

    “And I’m glad to see my mountain guide safe in this picture. Praying for the others to be back safely with their loved ones,” she commented on a photo of mountain guides getting an injured boy to safety.

    Sabah Parks uploaded four photographs of mountain guides and park rangers as they swung into action, braving damaged trails and making multiple trips to help the stranded and weakened climbers descend to safety.

    One of the photographs showed a guide carrying an injured climber on his back. It was uploaded with the message: “Thank you, Mt. Guide Ridwan”.

    A Singaporean parent identified the boy in the picture as her son.

    “Thts (sic) my son from TKP… he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries… please continue to pray for the team… can nvr thk the Sabahan rangers enough for his rescue efforts,” wrote the parent on an education-related Facebook page under the name “Sabrena El Huda”.

    Several Sabahans called for the guides involved in the search and rescue efforts to be given recognition by the state government.

    “I hope the Sabah governor awards medals to the all mountain guides involved, they all deserve it. Without them, I can’t imagine what would happen – not only will the climbers be stranded, the rescue team will probably also need saving,” said Facebook user Lea Johnsiul.

    “God bless our heroes during search and rescue! They deserve some medal or recognition from the country. Now this is Malaysia (more like Sabah) Boleh!” posted Facebook user Karen Leni Lang.

    Social media users also conveyed their condolences to the family and friends of mountain guide Robbi Sapinggi, 30, of Kampung Kiau, who died of head injuries after the earthquake.

    Katherine H Tan posted that Robbi had been tremendously brave in doing his duties up on the mountain, and prayed for his soul.

    “A very honourable spirit. Well done to all Sabahan mountain guides for their efforts. We pray from afar, may the search and rescue team find the other climbers,” she said.

    “I’m sad to hear of the deceased mountain guide. Although I do not know Robbi Sapinggi well, may his soul be blessed.

    “My condolences to his family,” posted Facebook user Loraiti Lolin Sigi.

     

    Source:www.thestar.com.my