IPOH: A GROUP of five will embark on a 2,800km cycling journey, covering areas in Peninsular Malaysia, to commemorate Merdeka this month.
The five are R. Ragu, 39, his daughters R. Nithya Rubhini, 15, and R. Nithya Darshini, 12, and his two friends, S. Ramsami, 69, and Chuah Yew Lay, 56.
They will take a month to complete the cycling expedition which started on Monday.
Ragu’s wife G. Neelaawhathi is escorting them by car.
This will be the family’s first attempt to organise the cycling programme themed “Jom Kayuh 1 Malaysia” where the Malaysian flag will accompany the cyclists around the country.
Ragu, a labourer, said they would cover every state in West Malaysia, including small towns like Batu Gajah, Bruas, Umbai, Yan, Sik and Butterworth.
“The first time we initiated this patriotic tour was in 2012, where we (the whole family) walked from Malacca to Alor Star, followed with another walk from Johor to Perlis last year.
“We want to celebrate Merdeka in an extraordinary way and also to encourage the younger generation to join us in doing so.
“We also want to educate the people on the history of the country’s independence,” he said.
Ragu added that they had managed to raise RM6,000 to cover expenses such as medicine, bicycle spare parts, attire and shoes for this event.
“We have 2,000 followers who will join us in different locations, riding short distances, and sharing the patriotic spirit along the way,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chuah, who lost his right leg in an accident when he was 30, also came to join the expedition to give moral support to his friends.
He uses an artificial leg to move around daily.
Chuah, an avid cyclist, said he would be rejoining the group at different locations after his Teluk Intan stop to boost their confidence to finish the one-month cycling expedition.
State Youth, Sports, Communications and Multimedia Committee chairman Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya was present to flag off the cycling expedition at SMK Tasek here.
Shahrul said Malaysians are blessed with a peaceful country and must continuously remind themselves of the importance of Merdeka.
“This cycling expedition is a good way of instilling patriotism among the people,” he added.
The event is supported by Perak BN Public Service and Complaints Centre chief Mohd Rawi Abdullah who encouraged the public to join the cycling expedition from different locations and contribute to the success of the event.