News

Couple Embarks On 500-km Walking Expedition To Raise Environmental Awareness

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) — There are many things, big and small, that one can do to help the environment. That is exactly what Hafizah Bachik, 45, and her husband, Roman Onillon, 40, have in mind when they embark on a 500-kilometres (km) walking expedition while collecting garbage from Rasa, Selangor, yesterday, as the starting point.

The couple will traverse all the way to Perlis on foot and is scheduled to reach the Kuala Perlis jetty in 22 days, before continuing to Langkawi Island in Kedah.

Fully aware that some may view their expedition as ‘crazy’, walking long distances in hot weather, but it did not dampen the couple’s spirit to do something out of the ordinary to convey the message of awareness of the importance of caring for the environment.

Hafizah, when contacted by Bernama, said the idea was mooted by her husband as they wanted to do something different and challenge themselves, after two years of being unable to travel abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will walk between 20 and 25 km a day while collecting garbage such as plastic bottles and face masks thrown along the road. We hope this small effort will give awareness to the public on the importance of caring for the environment and protecting the earth from global warming,” she said.

The Kuala Lumpur-born Hafizah said at first she was not very confident in her ability because she had never walked that far but after being persuaded by her husband by doing some trials and physical training, she thought she could handle the challenge.

“Before the fasting month of Ramadan we tried to walk for 14 km, from our residence at EkoCheras Mall to Perdana Botanical Garden, and at the same time, we collected garbage. It was my first experience and from there, I know I can do more than that,” said Hafizah who was doing other physical exercises to strengthen her stamina.

On safety factors, the couple will walk daily along state roads starting as early as 8 am which is expected to take about five to six hours before stopping at each stopover to spend the night.

They also only carry equipment such as GoPro action cameras, trash pickup sticks, and garbage plastic bags while other necessities will be carried by the sponsors’ vehicle which will be at each accommodation.

Meanwhile, Onillon, from France, who has been in Malaysia for four years, said they had previously collected rubbish when traveling to Cameron Highlands and Morib but not on foot.

“We want to convey a message about environmental awareness, The easiest thing to do is stop throwing the plastic bottle over the car windows, do not throw away cigarette butts or simply litter beautiful places, as we only polluted this earth by doing such things,” said Onillon who has traveled to 40 countries.

Those who want to give support and follow the daily progress of this couple’s journey can visit the couple’s social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, Discover Evolution or Tiktok, Fizah and Roman.

Sources: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Pandora Talisman Drops, Ancient Coin Energy Meets Modern Vibes

Pandora is flipping the script this autumn with the launch of Pandora Talisman, a jewellery… Read More

52 minutes ago

LADA Unveils ‘Langkawi Special Deals’ with MAG Partnership to Supercharge Island Tourism

The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has launched “Langkawi Special Deals”, a strategic tourism campaign featuring… Read More

53 minutes ago

Maxim Rolls Out Partner-Driver Legalization Program to Elevate Compliance and Road Safety

Maxim, one of Malaysia’s leading e-hailing platforms, has officially introduced a Partner-Driver Legalization Program designed… Read More

2 hours ago

Sabah Crowned Malaysia’s Favourite Destination, A Paradise of Peaks, Seas, and Culture Awaits!

Sabah, located in the north-eastern part of Borneo, has officially earned the title of Malaysia’s… Read More

2 hours ago

Coca‑Cola Brings Back ‘Share a Coke’ Now With a Proudly Malaysian Twist

This Merdeka, Coca‑Cola is turning up the nostalgia and the local flavour. The iconic ‘Share… Read More

20 hours ago

11 Women, 8 Countries, 1 Dream: ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships 2025 Announced

Picture this: 11 brilliant women from across ASEAN are packing their bags, not just for… Read More

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.