PADANG BESAR (Thailand), Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Seventy-five-year-old Che Saad Nordin, a former Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) stringer, is embarking on an extraordinary journey by bicycle to Makkah once again, intending to perform the hajj.
After an unsuccessful attempt in 2023, when he was forced to turn back in Pakistan due to extreme weather conditions, Che Saad remains undeterred and is determined to complete the arduous 12,000-kilometre ride this year.
This time, accompanied by Ramli Osman, 72, and Azmi Osman, 56, who are siblings, Che Saad expects to take about five months to reach Makkah.
“I’ve been planning this journey for the past four months. It was important to find the right companions who can offer and accept constructive feedback,” he said before they departed from the Thailand side of the Padang Besar Customs House yesterday.
The trio was seen off by Perlis Infrastructure, Transport and Border Relations Committee chairman Izizam Ibrahim and, upon crossing into Thailand, was greeted by the Consul-General of Malaysia in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi.
Che Saad's motivation for this journey is deeply personal. Having completed the haj pilgrimage three times before, his primary desire is to return to the Holy Land.
“The driving force behind this bike ride is my longing to return to Makkah,” he said.
In preparation for the ride, Che Saad and his companions have ensured their health and fitness are in top condition.
A private haj travel agency has also pledged to assist them with their pilgrimage arrangements once they reach Makkah.
“The agency will help us with the logistics, but we’re expected to arrive in Makkah within a specific timeframe. I hope to get there at least 20 days before the Day of Arafah,” Che Saad added.
Despite financial challenges, the group has received support from generous donors to help cover some of their expenses, as their journey takes them through Thailand, India, Pakistan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates before finally arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Izizam, meanwhile, expressed his full backing for the trio and assured them that he would be monitoring their progress throughout the journey.
With unwavering determination, Che Saad and his companions are now on their way, hoping to complete their journey and fulfil their sacred pilgrimage in Makkah.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
