Expedition adviser Akmar Hisham Mohd Yusof said Shahrom, 36, reached the zero degree point at 4.30am on Saturday, Malaysian time (5.30pm on Friday, South Pole time).

He said Shahrom completed the mission by skiing 890km from Messner Inlet.

Shahrom, from Gua Musang, Kelantan also completed the mission in record time compared with the earlier expectation of 50 to 60 days, he said.

“Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to Allah that Shahrom made it. This proves that Malaysians, with determination, can overcome any challenge,” he said in a statement here, today.

Akmar Hisham added Shahrom’s success marked another world-class achievement by a Malaysian.

Akmar, who is press secretary to the Prime Minister as well as adviser to the Malaysian Seven Continents Exploration Club, said Shahrom’s achievement as the first Malaysian to reach the South Pole on ski covering almost 1,000km should be the pride of all Malaysians.

“I informed the Prime Minister this morning of the good news as he had been very keen on the expedition aside from being concerned about Shahrom’s safety. “He is aware of the obstacles in the expedition as he had once stepped foot on Antarctica. He is exhilarated at the good news,” said Akmar Hisham.

– BERNAMA