The project is aimed at raising funds to help firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty, as well as those still in service. It will also be a major personal achievement for the 43-year-old, who has over 30 years of climbing experience.

Fire and rescue department director-general Nor Hisham Mohammad commended Fakhrul’s effort, saying he is carrying the department’s and the country’s name onto the world stage.

“He has voluntarily taken unpaid leave to allow for thorough preparation before reaching this final stage. Let us all pray that Fakhrul’s journey and affairs are eased, and that his climb will be smooth and safe,” he said at KLIA on Monday.

Fakhrul, who hails from Sik, Kedah, is a member of the Bomba Special Air Unit (Paskub) based at the department’s central region air base.

He told media that his preparations had gone smoothly, and is confident his previous climbing experiences – which include Mount Kinabalu – will help him adapt to the high-altitude climb ahead.

“Upon arrival in Kathmandu, I will do several preliminary climbs to acclimatise and avoid acute mountain sickness. I am expected to be in Nepal for about two months before beginning the charity climb on Everest.”

In February last year, Fakhrul conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which stands at 5,895m above sea level.

“That experience also helped me adapt to high altitudes, especially in terms of breathing, appetite, and sleep patterns,” he added.