JULY 2005

PAT drive checks out in Thailand

July 27 - A 4-day drive to Thailand was organised by the management team of the PETRONAS Trans-Himalayas 2005 Expedition. “It’s basically to check out our management cars before we leave on August 17,” said Logistics Director Faruk Abdul Rahman. He added that many of the new expedition members also participated in the trip to glean first-hand experience, plus have some basic training in GPS, radio communication and convoy procedures.

In total, nine cars and 24 Malaysians went on the trip. “The rest of the cars are not ready to go so we have advised them to drive the cars locally for 1,000km,” said Faruk, who added that their own cars had clocked about 1,200km.

“All the cars are okay, except for one car which unexpectedly had a problem with the fuel pump,” said Faruk. The team was supposed to have driven to Phuket, but had to turn back at the town of Trang after the problem surfaced.

“We also stopped at Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah to meet with the Malaysian customs and immigration authorities to ensure that our border crossing on the actual day will be trouble-free," added Faruk.

The business of lubrication

15 July - The first of four batches of 4x4 vehicles arrived at the PETRONAS Motorsports Technical Centre in Bangi today as part of preparations for the PETRONAS Trans-Himalayas 2005 expedition.

"This is the first time we are doing the lubricant change here," said Logistics Director Faruk Rahman. "It's more organised and we get more feedback from the technical team. It's a good start, and we will get better sampling and research results."

All cars underwent a thorough engine oil flush. PETRONAS Syntium 5000, a fully synthetic oil is being used in all the expedition cars. This environment-friendly lubricant extends engine life and enhances its performance, both at low and high altitudes.

An oil sample was also taken from each car by PETRONAS Motorsports Badrol Hisam. He has been given the important task of collecting oil samples every 3,000km and preparing them for analysis upon the team's return.

Acclimatising to the altitude

12 July - A medical briefing was organised by the PETRONAS Adventure Team to dispel any doubts about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This health condition, if not managed appropriately, can cause coma and eventually death. It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, and physical condition.

AMS happens only at high altitudes above 2,438m. With the PETRONAS Trans-Himalayas expedition bringing Malaysians to heights of up to 6,000m, AMS is something not to be taken lightly.

“Our expedition doctors cannot monitor everyone,” explained Expedition Leader Halim Abdul Rahman. “We will have to learn the symptoms of AMS and monitor our own conditions as well as that of other members travelling in the same car.”

AMS is brought on by the body’s inability to cope with a reduced amount of oxygen. There’s always 21% of oxygen in the air at any altitude. But as the team ascends, the air thins out and there’s less number of oxygen molecules per breath.

“You will start to breath faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen,” said Dr Avtar Singh, one of two expedition doctors on the team. “Just walking a few steps will feel like you had run a marathon,” added Dr Zaini Sharaani, who has experienced AMS numerous times as a result of his mountaineering activities.

According to Dr Zaini, mild AMS symptoms include excessive urination, headaches, insomnia and loss of appetite. “Don’t hide your condition,” he said. “If you don’t tell anyone, you can die. See the expedition doctor immediately.”

There is no cure for AMS, only acclimatisation and descent. During the acclimatisation process, team members must allow their bodies time to adapt to the change in altitude. Halim has calculated the team’s rate of ascent to ensure that everyone stays safe. The maxim used by climbers, “climb high and sleep low” also applies to the team. But because some people may take longer to adapt, some cars may have to descend for them to acclimatise another night. “We have planned rendezvous points for the cars affected to catch up with the rest of the convoy,” said Halim.

PAT makes house call at Kota Kinabalu

8 July - The Sabah contingent comprising four cars and ten members got a head start in the scrutineering and medical sections ahead of the rest of the PETRONAS Trans-Himalayas team.

PETRONAS Adventure Team (PAT) Logistics Director Faruk Rahman, Technical Co-ordinator Stiven Sim and Expedition Doctor Avtar Singh flew into Kota Kinabalu last Monday to conduct a one-day check on cars and participants.

“We scrutinised the Sabahans' cars and gave them the event car stickers, while Dr Avtar briefed them about high altitude sickness and the do’s and don’ts,” said Faruk.

Besides having the necessary recovery tools and spare parts, car owners also had to show Stiven where their engine and chassis numbers were located. This information is especially important at border crossings.

“All the cars are in good condition,” said Stiven after the preliminary inspection. “They are well prepared except for one or two items, which will be rectified.”

“They are very enthusiastic about the expedition even though some have been to China before,” added Faruk, who is satisfied with the amount of car preparations the Sabahans have put in.

Of the ten, William Wong, Tong Swee Weng, Jee Cheng Kong, and Wong Ah Fong are new participants, with years of off-road experience gained in Sabah. Members Voo Tien Su, Kah Tzing Hwa, Loh Peck Ker, Anthony Wong, and Leong Siew Loong are returning for more adventures with PAT.

The four vehicles are scheduled to arrive at Port Klang on 1st August, and the Sabahans will join the rest of the team in Kuala Lumpur on 6th August for the final event briefing and vehicle scrutineering.