KOTA BARU: Sixty-nine-year-old Wan Hashim Wan Mahmood created another history by cycling across five countries to complete his tour of Southeast Asia today.
He arrived here safely today after covering a distance of over 4,000 kilometres in 49 days.
The grandfather of 18 also proved that age was not a factor for him to do something which was only expected from the younger generation.
“I challenged myself to do what many was said was impossible for a senior citizen and I did it. I proved that age was not a factor for me.
“I did this for the country, as a personal mission to promote healthy lifestyle and as the little ambassador to promote our country to the world,” he told Bernama upon arrival here.
He was met on arrival by Kelantan Tourism and Culture Office director Mohd Aidil Afiza Daud, Red ONE Network Sdn Bhd Eastern Region Sales Division chief Steven Yong.
Also present were his wife, Faridah Daud, 54, and mother, Hasmah Ahmad, 84.
Wan Hashim began his mission on Nov 30 last year and had cycled across Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Pulau Batam, Indonesia.
Relating his experience, Wan Hashim said he had initially expected to complete the tour at end of next month.
“This is probably due to the fact that I covered over 140 kilometres a day throughout the journey, instead of the initial plan of covering between 60 and 70 kilometres on daily basis,” he added.
In April last year, Wan Hashim created history after being listed in the Malaysia Book of Record as ‘The oldest cyclist co cycle around Peninsular Malaysia’.
Wan Hashim had also planned to cycle around the United Kingdom in the next couple of years. -- Bernama