Maulidur Rasul award for Mt Kinabalu hero

SERDANG: It was the best Christmas Day present for Mount Kinabalu park ranger Mithun Jay Langgim when he received the Anugerah Maulidur Rasul for his effort in rescuing 135 climbers (105 trekkers, two porters and 28 mountain guides) who were stranded at the summit of Kinabalu in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Sabah on June 5.
The 28-year-old from Ranau, Sabah received RM20,000 and a trophy from Yang di-Pertuan Agung Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'Adzam Shah at this year's national level celebration at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park here today.
"It was a team effort and I was surprised to receive this (award), to be honest. I hope this will spur me to perform better in my job as a park ranger and mountain guide," he said.
"I also think this is a recognition for us, the mountain guides, for the long hard struggle in guiding and opening up the path for 135 trekkers to get down the mountain after Kinabalu was hit by the earthquake," he said.
When asked how he dealt with the situation, he said: "I was at the checkpoint km7 when the quake occurred at 7.15am. Later I discovered the walking path to the summit was completely destroyed.
"I had to act quickly since the weather was getting extreme as well as fearing for subsequent tremors," said the self-confessed devout Christian.
Asked on his feeling on getting the award on the day Muslims celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, Mithun said: "I feel honoured to receive this award."
Meanwhile, the Anugerah Perdana Maulidur Rasul was awarded to former Federal Territories mufti Datuk Wan Zahidi Wan, 73, for his outstanding contribution in Syariah law affairs and implementation as well as various Islamic publications.
Six other recipients also received the Anugerah Maulidur Rasul.
They were:
» Islamic scholar Datin Dr Paizah Ismail, 68;
» architect and town planner Datuk Dr Baharuddin Abu Kassim, 86;
» renowned motivator, ophthalmologist and public health consultant Prof Dr Che Muhaya Mohamad, 57;
» Nestle Malaysia's halal committee chairman Othman Md Yusoff, 53;
» Islamic missionary and corporate trainer Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, 31;
» young prodigy Dr Mundzir Abdullah, 24, and
» teenage artist Nurul Eeman Mansor, 17.
Earlier, in his speech, the king expressed sadness over the irresponsible acts of certain groups who undermined federal government agencies in charge of Islamic affairs in the country.
In his speech at the national level Maulidur Rasul celebrations yesterday morning here, the King said: "I am sad to note lately, there have been attempts by certain quarters to paint a negative picture against the functions of the Islamic agencies."
The King said the allegations by certain quarters were excessive, inappropriate and irresponsible.
"It must be understood that the existence of these agencies, be it on the federal or state level, is to perform the management and development of Islamic affairs," he said.
The event was also attended by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Sultanah Haminah Hamidun, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and wife Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.