JOHOR BARU: For Nurul Alia Bustamam, the feeling of unfurling the Jalur Gemilang at the summit of Mount Kinabalu was nothing short of exhilarating.

The 40-year-old assistant director of the Johor Fire and Rescue Department’s management unit said she had never imagined conquering the 4,095m peak on her first attempt.

“It was my maiden climb and I did not expect to reach the top but it was worth every step. My teammates and I hiked, crawled and climbed throughout the testing journey.

“Though it was tiring and tested me physically and mentally, the moment I raised the flag at the peak, it felt satisfying beyond words,” she said in an interview.

She began training last November with brisk walks and leg-strengthening exercises after signing up for the expedition ­initiated by her department in conjunction with the upcoming National Day.

Her husband, who had scaled the mountain before, offered advice while her four children cheered her on.

“Along the hike, I experienced mild dizziness and breathing difficulties because of the altitude but I remembered my training and calmed myself to steady my breathing.

“I kept telling myself that giving up was not an option,” she said, adding that the breathtaking view from the summit made it all worth it.

“I am not a firefighter, I am desk-bound because of my ­managerial position. The expedition was a test of my physical and mental strength.

“It shows that we are only limi­ted by our own imagination,” said Nurul Alia, who has now set her sights on hiking Mount Rinjani in Indonesia next.

She was among 30 Johor officers who successfully scaled the country’s highest peak during a two-day Conquering Kinabalu Peak Challenge that ended on Monday.

State Fire and Rescue Department Zone 2 chief Rasidi Md Yunos, who led the team, said most of the participants were first-time climbers.

“The trip tested the 20 male and 10 female officers’ endurance, teamwork and discipline as they faced unpredictable weather and the steep, rocky terrain – conditions that are demanding even for active firefighters.

“The expedition has been a year in the making with more intensive training over the past six months. The most important factor was the participants’ strong determination to push forward despite the physical and mental challenges,” he said.

At the summit, the group proudly flew the Jalur Gemilang alongside the Johor and department flags to mark the nation’s 68th Merdeka celebration.

“This climb carries great meaning because it demanded high resilience.

“We are proud to have raised the Malaysian flag at the top of Mount Kinabalu,” said 44-year-old Rasidi, who also climbed to Everest base camp last year.

He added that beyond symbolising courage and love for the country, the expedition was a confidence-­building experience for the officers.

“This journey not only strengthened our patriotic spirit but also enriched us with skills and resilience that we can carry into our duties,” he said.