PUTRAJAYA, June 7 – The seven climbers who reached the summit of Mt Everest under the Felda Everest Project last month today each received incentives of RM50,000 presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Several other climbers and project support staff also received incentives of RM10,000 each from Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) at the Prime Minister's Department here.

In his speech, Najib said the success achieved by young people was a reflection of the manifestation of transformation efforts being championed by the country.

First generationFelda settlers had to clear the jungle to succeed unlike the second generation settlers who cross boundaries to reach the world's highest summit.

"This is the essence of the transformation I want to see in Felda. My desire is to turn Felda into a great organisation in the international arena," he added.

Felda Everest Project 2013 was managed by Kelab Eksplorasi Tujuh Benua Malaysia (KE7B) with support and sponsorship of Felda, FGV and Felda Malaysia Youth Council.

The seven climbers who began the expedition on April 2 reached the summit of Mt Everest at a height of 8,848 metres last month.

Six climbers who reached the summit on May 21 were Mohd Nasuha Shamsudin, 21,(Felda Tersang 3, Raub, Pahang); Mohamad Asyraf Mohd Halim, 25, (Felda Lok Heng Timur, Kota Tinggi, Johor); Muhammad Hafizuddin Ibrahim, 22, (Felda Chini Timur 1, Pekan, Pahang); Zainudin Lot, 37, (trainer), Myrza Fasha Md Hamyrudin, 25, (Felda Tersang 3, Raub, Pahang); and Muhammad Illaham Ishak, 37, (trainer).

Group leader Siti Hanisah Sharuddin, 23, (Felda Jelai 1, Gemas, Negeri Sembilan) who reached the summmit two days later became the country's youngest woman to conquer Mt Everest.

Najib hopes the success story of the climbers would stimulate young Felda generation and Malaysians as a whole, to do something extraordinary to make the country proud.

Meanwhile, Siti Hanisah said she was very happy and overwhelmed by the appreciation shown by the prime minister and the support of all parties.

She would use part of the incentive received to send his parents to perform the umrah in Mecca.

Her next plan is to conquer seven mountain summits in seven continents together with KE7B.- BERNAMA