MALACCA: Despite being 88, Gurdev Singhwalked all the way from Tampin, Negri Sembilan, on Tuesday to Gurdwara Sahib Malacca in Bukit Cina here on Friday.
Gurdev, the oldest participant in the Good Will Walk, did not utter a single complaint about fatigue or sore limbs but kept on talking about his love of walking.
“I like to walk. Back in Tampin, I walk to town every day, 5km to 6km, sometimes even 10km,” he said.
Gurdwara Sahib Malacca is holding the 44th annual commemorative prayers in the honour of Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji, a Sikh spiritual leader. The event ends today.
Gurdev started walking 20 years ago when he stopped working as a bus and taxi driver.
“I do not like to drive. Driving makes me nervous with the increase in the number of road accidents. After all, walking is good and fun. It keeps me healthy as I am diabetes free and my blood pressure is normal,” said Gurdev, who added that he was “99.9 per cent healthy”.
The Good Will Walk was a 116km journey which started in Mantin last Sunday and
ended at the Gurdwara Sahib Malacca on Friday.
Gurdev joined the walk midway in Rembau and walked almost 50km without difficulty.
“The walk from Tampin to Malacca is normal for me as I had walked the same distance during the Japanese invasion.
“Moreover, I am used to walking in Tampin. I have even walked up Tampin Hill, which is 536m above sea level.”
Gurdev said participants started their walk at 5am every day and covered 13km to 15km per day.
Gurdev’s son, Jusvir, 59, said: “Initially, we were concerned about his heart condition because he had a stent inserted into (his body) due to a blocked artery five years ago.
“However, after seeing his passion for walking, we decided to let him join the walk,” Jusvir said.