IPOH: THE man who walked around Malaysia, fuelled by patriotism and love for his country, is back.
This time around, R. Ragu, 39, will be cycling around the country to celebrate the 57th Merdeka.
He will be accompanied by his two daughters, Nithya Rubhini, 15, and Nithya Darshini, 12, and his friend S. Ramsami, 70, on the 2,800km journey.
Ragu, 39, said they would be starting their journey on Monday.
The flag-off is at 10am at SMK Jalan Tasek, here.
“Our journey will take us from here to Batu Gajah, Klang, Malacca, Johor Baru, Pontian, Kelantan and Alor Star, before returning to Ipoh,” he said.
They expect to complete the journey on Sept 4.
Ragu and his daughters had gone on walking expeditions to commemorate the 55th and 56th Merdeka Day.
He said his decision to cycle around the country was spurred by Rubhini’s suggestion that he came up with a special way to commemorate Merdeka.
The four have spent the last two months training and getting into shape for the ride.
“We are excited and looking forward to it,” he said.
Non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Masyarakat Prihatin Perak has presented Ragu with RM3,000 for the purchase of bicycles for the expedition.
The money was handed over by the society’s deputy chairman Mohd Nazri Md Nor and treasurer Choo Kar Hoe. Perak Barisan Nasional Public Services and Complaints Centre chief Mohd Rawi Abdullah were also present at the event.