Malaysian cyclist on charity drive left Bangkok for Cambodia

BANGKOK, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Max Chong, who is on a five-country cycling expedition to create awareness and raise funds for cancer patients, has completed 1,660km of his four-month journey, with strong encouragement from the local folk and support for joint efforts with other countries.

Chong, 39, said he was glad that there were less problems and challenges throughout his journey from Malaysia's northern city of Ipoh, where he was flagged-off on Oct 18, until his arrival in the Thai capital Sunday.

"It was easier than expected as I was expecting some dangerous situation along the way...but there were some problems like tyre puncture. But the people whom I met along the way have been very helpful and generous," he said before continuing on his journey to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam from the Malaysian embassy here Sunday.

Chong said he hoped to complete his 82-day expedition, covering 4,320km, in Hanoi on Jan 4 next year, with the proceeds going to the National Cancer Council (Makna).

"I wrote in Thai about my expedition on a donation box and this attracted car drivers, motorcyclists and local people. Many donated while hotels and guest houses along the route gave discounts to me," said Chong, who was hosted by the Perwakilan Bangkok, an association comprising embassy staff and their family members.

Chong said he was now on a solo journey as planned as Chuah Yew Lay, 50, a former national cyclist who lost his right leg in a car accident some 20 years ago, had left for home after accompanying him up to Lang Suan.

From Bangkok, he will cycle to Prachin Buri and Aranyaprathet before crossing into Cambodia.

Chong said there was a lot of enthuasism from the Thai volunteers who are helping cancer patients to link up with their Malaysian counterparts.

"The Thais also have cancer awareness programmes and associations. They are keen to work together with Makna and share their experiences with us," said Chong, who himself had painful experiences of seeing relatives and friends dying of cancer.

Chong said Makna president Mohd Farid Ariffin would wait for him in Hanoi where Makna was planning joint research projects on cancer with the National Cancer Institute of Vietnam besides expansion of its services to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. (Bernama)