From UK To Malaysia, Four Youngsters Cycle For Humanity

By Ismail Amsyar Mohd Said KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- After completing studies, most Malaysians abroad will think of taking the next flight home and start work as soon as possible. However, this is not the case for Badrul Hisham Burhanuddin, 24, who had just completed his masters degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Sheffield in United Kingdom (UK). Instead of returning home like his other Malaysian counterparts, he has decided to return home his own way, cycle from Sheffield, UK to his hometown in Klang, Malaysia and along the way promote Malaysia and the message of humanity. His 'journey to homeland' will involve crossing the borders of more than 22 countries and cycling through treacherous environments from the snow covered village roads in Europe to the burning heat of the Iranian desert. Badrul Hisham, however, is not be alone in his journey as three other cyclists from the Sick Siders Malaysia (SSMY) Club, a cycling club from Johor Baharu of Malaysia's southern state, Johor, will join him. Their 17-month long epic journey to discover the unknown land and people is to start on Aug 1. HOW THE CRAZY DREAM STARTED? According to Badrul Hisham, who will lead the journey, it all started last winter after he met with an accident while cycling to IceSheffield, an ice arena, located about seven kilometres from his house. "During the one week recovery period, I just sat back and relaxed, watching television most of the day. One day, there was this documentary about people cycling around the world. Then I told myself how great it would be if I could do the same", he told Bernama in an interview. Since then, he has been holding on to that dream and started searching for information on touring around the world on bicycle until he found a group on Facebook that discussed topics on outdoor activities - the Malaysian Backpackers. There, he met with the three SSMY members - Mohd Hafidz Hamid, 22, Muhammad Adib Mohamad Ali, 25 and Mohd Azrulhan Mohd Shafei, 25. Badrul Hisham did not waste much time in proposing what seemed to be a crazy idea then to the Sick Siders’ members. Since all were passionate cyclists, cycling from UK to Malaysia was not just about pursuing their dreams, but also an opportunity to play their part for a greater cause. "I remember telling this idea to a friend while eating in a restaurant. He burst into laughter like I was making a standup comedy about cycling back to Malaysia. However, after we left the restaurant, he admitted that it would be awesome if the idea became a reality", said Badrul Hisham. RAISING AWARENESS FOR PALESTINIAN REFUGEES AND THE HOMELESS When asked about the objectives, this enthusiastic and spirited young lad said the main objective is to raise fund and awareness on Palestinian refugees. It is also to promote "Homeless International Charity", he said. "The richer are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. It happens across the globe and our mission is to help solve poverty, homelessness and refugees worldwide, especially the displaced Palestinian people. We want everyone to be a part of this journey. "This would indirectly tell the world that Malaysia is a peace loving country, practices moderation and also the attitude of Malaysians towards the poor and homeless. All these will be done by engaging with the local community at every stop we arrive", said Badrul Hisham, noting that some people living in the European small villages have not heard of Malaysia. He further added that all four of them would fly the Malaysia and Palestinian flags on their bicycles, to increase the awareness on both countries and thus attract more people to know about Malaysia and the Palestinian cause. THE MALAYSIAN SICK SIDERS CLUB Meanwhile, Muhammad Adib Mohamad Ali when met recently said that the Sick Siders Malaysia Club has been involved in bicycle expedition since 2009 and when Badrul Hisham proposed the idea to them, they knew he was not fooling around. "For us, this is the farthest and the craziest expedition we have participated so far. We will be the youngest group of Malaysians paddling across 22 nations covering a total distance of 29,000 km", he said, adding that the journey will be completed in 17 months. They accepted Badrul Hisyam’s invitation and took the challenge because the longest duration that the Sick Siders members spent in any expedition is one month. He also noted that upon agreeing on the undertaking, they started planning their route, and looking for sponsorship and friends in the 22 countries to assist them during their journey. FUNDING AND ACCOMMODATION Asked about the funding for the expedition, Muhammad Adib said they have yet to receive any support and sponsorship for their undertaking but were working on it. "We are not giving up this expedition. This is our dream. We want to show to the youth out there that there will always be challenges in pursuing your dreams. However, never let it get into your way in achieving your dreams. We are using our money and whatever we have to make it happen. "We are doing this for humanity and raise Malaysia's status in the eyes of the world. We want them to know that Malaysia is a progressive country and that its people are friendly, well educated and caring. And it shall be a great promotion for Visit Malaysia Year 2014?" he added. The team is confident that the sponsorship will come either before, during or after the expedition. For now, they will be using the money from their online business income. "We sell merchandise, apparel, and custom made bicycle parts. Those products can be viewed and purchased online at www.sicksidersmalaysia.com. Profits from the business will fund the journey", he noted. --BERNAMA