JELEBU: A married couple took 44 days to reach Makkah for haj by riding a motorcycle.
Mohd Rahmat Mohammed Amin, 38, and Nurazlinda Mohamad, 36, embarked on their journey from Jelebu on March 19, by riding a motorcycle.
Mohd Rahmat stated that they had to change their route to Iran and UAE before reaching Saudi Arabia due to visa issues when entering Iraq.
Mohd Rahmat said that the experience of crossing the Lhasa-Tibet route in the Himalaya was one of the most frightening routes, especially after his wife suffered symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
The situation could have worsened if it weren't for the immediate assistance from local residents who helped his wife.
"The cold weather of up to -16 degrees Celsius while passing through the Himalaya was a challenge for us, but thankfully, everything has been eased by Allah," he said.
Mohd Rahmat and his wife also expressed their joy of being able to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the Taj Mahal in India.
"Enduring sandstorms while passing through the highway that connects Al Darb and Al Batha, a distance of 240 kilometres, will also be an unforgettable experience," he added.
He also got informed by the 'mutawwif' that no Malaysians had entered Makkah by motorcycle before.
"The mutawwif informed us that most riders will leave their motorcycles at Miqat and then take a taxi to Makkah," he said.
Rahmat said that he would stay in Makkah until the completion of the haj pilgrimage and would use the remaining time to perform Umrah and visit historical sites.
He urges those who want to use this method to reach Makkah to make early preparations and understand the laws of each country, especially regarding visas, to avoid any problems.
Prior to this, the arrival of Rahmat and his wife in Riyadh was welcomed by Malaysian Ambassador Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah.
Mohd Rahmat said that the experience of crossing the Lhasa-Tibet route in the Himalaya was one of the most frightening routes, especially after his wife suffered symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS).