Malaysian climber Muhammad Hawari Hashim went missing on Mount Everest on May 20, 2023, after successfully reaching the summit the previous day, May 19 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Hawari, 33, was hearing-impaired and worked at the Penang Museum in Malaysia [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Extensive search efforts by Sherpas, climbing teams, and Nepalese authorities have failed to find any trace of Hawari as of mid-2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The Malaysia Everest 2023 expedition team has submitted a medical report to the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal recommending an official declaration of death for Hawari, citing the extreme dangers of survival at Everest’s Death Zone above 8,000 meters [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The report, prepared by Dr Abhyu G from the Mountain Medical Institute, highlights the remote chance of survival due to low oxygen levels and risks such as hypoxia, exhaustion, frostbite, and fatal altitude illnesses including HACE and HAPE [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Tan Sri Salleh Mohd Nor, chef de mission of the Malaysian Everest 2023 expedition, and Nepal’s Charge d’Affaires in Malaysia, Mudita Bajracharya, discussed the request. Salleh said, "During our meeting, the representative of the Nepalese government agreed to assist with the matter. The next step is to submit a formal letter to the authorities for their consideration and further action" [2]. Bajracharya added, "On behalf of the Government of Nepal, we will provide the necessary cooperation and assistance for the welfare of all parties involved" [2].
Hawari’s disappearance overshadowed the 2023 expedition, which also saw the death of Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, a 55-year-old Malaysian Civil Defence Force director, who died at Everest’s 4th camp at about 8,000 meters [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
As of May 29, 2026, the Malaysia Everest 2023 team prepared to formally submit a letter to Nepalese authorities requesting an official death declaration for Hawari [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The issue was also discussed during the World Everest Day 2026 celebration in Kuala Lumpur on the same date [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
