Singaporean battles survivor's guilt decade after Kinabalu quake
Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025
By: Diana Liu Text Size: Emyr (left) and Prajesh at Mount Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu: Singaporean Emyr Uzayr Mohamed Sadri survived the deadly Mount Kinabalu earthquake that claimed 18 lives in 2015. But unlike others who may rejoice at the thought of being alive, he has yet to overcome survivor's guilt despite receiving counselling.
Advertisement The 21-year-old finance student at the National University of Singapore simply gets on his feet and starts running whenever the memories come back. 'I will just run,' he said, when he returned to climb Mount Kinabalu again to complete the ascent on behalf of the 10 schoolmates who did not make it that fateful day 10 years ago. Back in 2015, Emyr and colleagues were on a school expedition under the Omega Challenge programme when a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Mount Kinabalu, triggering a deadly rockfall that killed 18 people. Only 11 then, Emyr recalled the moment he thought he would not make it alive.
Advertisement 'What I saw was too much for an 11-year-old. Thousands of rocks were falling at high speeds, some as big as vans. There was no way to escape. I looked around and saw everything, fully aware that it was only a matter of time before I would pass on. 'I knew time was running out. That was when I made my declaration of faith and prayed. Fortunately, I survived,' he said. Surviving posed questions over the years. 'How did I survive? My friends were kinder, smarter and had more potential in life than me. 'This thought stayed with me for 10 years. Personally, I feel like it is something you cannot really eradicate. 'So I look at it in positive light. I see that my friends were God's favourite. The saying, God takes the finest souls first. I agree with that. That statement actually rings true,' he said. The Omega Challenge programme has been discontinued, but their school continues to honour the victims with a dedicated memorial section. He started running at 17 before he served National Service as an officer. He took up the sport as a form of therapy and has since completed the full 42km race at the Standard Chartered Marathon last year. He also runs an antique business named which allows him to share his passion for history and educate others about vintage artefacts. Emyr said one way he overcome the guilt is by looking at things differently, instead of lamenting about why he survived. 'I take it that I was given a second chance to spread kindness. To live my life in a positive way. Maybe to inspire a few people. And to live life with no regrets,' he said. He volunteers at meet-the-people sessions, help residents raise and resolve community issues and is also involved with the M3 Foundation, which supports lower-income families, especially within the Malay community. On May 20, Emyr and fellow survivor Prajesh Dhimant Patel returned to Mount Kinabalu to complete the ascent they were forced to abandon a decade ago. 'This is my first return to Sabah after the tragedy. I always wanted to go back to finish what we started. 'This time, we did climb to the summit and I definitely felt overjoyed, but there was some sadness in me because my friends passed on and I could not finish this climb with them,' Emyr said. 'We were truly devastated. We thought it would be a failed mission after 10 years. But the crew from Amazing Borneo actually came up with a plan to extend the trip. 'Something I did not really think of. They tried their best, they asked around, and eventually we did get the extension,' he said. Emyr carried messages from his late friends' classmate to read at the Kinabalu Earthquake Memorial. 'They wanted to express their gratitude to the deceased for being kind people to them,' he said. As for the mail he posted through the mountain mailbox for his future self, he said what he wrote was basically a reminder to not set such high expectations. 'I tend to strive for the best, which is good, but sometimes I need to take a step back and breathe, so I do not stress myself too much. I reminded myself to pat myself on the back once in a while,' he said. Emyr wishes to find the mountain guide who saved his life. I really want to find out who actually saved me. 'Because there was this guy who actually cut my rope and told me to get to safety. And I still don't know who he is. 'Because of the rock fall, a lot of dust entered my eyes. It was really blurry back then, so I cannot recall how he looked like at all. 'I want to tell him that I am really thankful for what you have done. You could have just walked away, but you went out of your way to save me, I am forever indebted to you,' he said. Comparing safety requirement for climbers then and now, Emyr said a lot more safety precautions are put into place nowadays. 'There are more railings and more regular patrols by mountain climbers. The guides go out of their way to care for you. 'They really ask you questions like, 'Are you okay?' If you are not okay, they have other ways to help you.' Emyr said he might one day bring the other survivors to complete the Via Ferrata Walk the Torq, the very route where he lost his friends and teachers during their school trip. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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