Spreading the spirit of 1Malaysia by walking round the clock

By K. ASHRAF KAMMED
ashkam@thestar.com.my

PORT KLANG: Social activist A. Prakash did it once and in the process set a record.



Now the 39-year-old wants to break his own Malaysian record for the longest non-stop walk by walking 324km from Pandamaran to the SUK building in Ipoh from May 21 to May 23.



Prakash’s last record-breaking walk was in 2009, when he walked for 270km continuously within 24 hours from the Pandamaran Sports Complex in Port Klang to Gopeng Perak from July 17 until July 19.



Prakash wants his latest record-breaking at­­tempt to inspire the younger generation to be involved in healthy activities.



He has been training in his slippers for two hours daily by walking 8km in the morning and at night.



Prakash said he expected his record-breaking attempt to be more challenging due to the weather apart from the continuous walk without any sleep.



“In the previous walk I experienced short-term memory loss three times due to fatigue.



“It happened all of a sudden and I could not remember what I was doing at the time. But come rain or shine, my journey must go on,” he said.



Prakash said he would only have two pieces of roti canai before starting his walk and along the way he would consume only vegetarian food and lots of liquid.



Praksah said he wanted to spread the spirit of 1Malaysia as a means to unify everyone while raising funds for the needy.



“Lately, we have seen that our society is fragmented. This is not good at all as it would only be our loss. We should instead be united and develop the country together.



“I hope to do my part by promoting the 1Malaysia spirit to everyone out there,” said Prakash yesterday.



Representatives from the Klang Barisan Nasional Youths, Klang Rela and the Persatuan Kebajikan India Malaysia would be escorting him in nine cars and three motorcycles.



The convoy, carrying donation boxes for the public to contribute to the needy, will be passing Jalan Tengku Kelana, Kapar, Kuala Selangor, Tanjong Karang, Sabak Bernam, Teluk Intan, Sungai Manik, Tapah, Langkap, Kampar, Gopeng, Simpang Pulai and Ipoh using the old road.



Prakash will be flagged off at 10.30am by Klang Barisan Nasional coordinator Datuk Teh Kim Poo, Klang MCA Youth chief Dr Ching Eu Boon and Klang Umno division chief Datuk Mazly Noor Abdul Latif at the Pandamaran 1Malaysia Service Centre on Saturday.