NEWS

Written by naim

By Ali Imran

Jelajah Berbasikal 1Malaysia - East Coast Tour.

Salam,

Alhamdulillah, we have just completed the second stage of our self-organized Jelajah Berbasikal 1Malaysia. Overall, everything went smoothly well, only 1 incident recorded, plus rooms for improvement that we need to take note for the next stage of Northern Tour in the coming July.

Day no. : 0

Day : Friday

Date : 23^rd April 2010

Route : Arrival at Jerteh Town

Generally almost all participants arrived in Jerteh Town, Terengganu prior Friday Prayer. Participants were broken down into 4 different hotels which are 1 Utama, Suri, Mar, and Madzlin. It shocked some of us to see shops were closed as early as 12.00pm in respect to the prayer.

At 4.00 pm participants started to gather at Dewan Majlis Daerah Besut, Jerteh. Most of participants rode on motor powered vehicles. Interestingly, ACT Perlis decided to ride from their hotel to the venue. It was later learned that the team travelled by bus thus they didn’t have other means of transportation to the hall but to ride.All participants later had their final bike-check and parked their bicycles here until the event to start tomorrow.

Participants later were broken into their riding groups, which normally said in ACT culture as ‘Kelompok’. Later the Chief of Expedition delivered his remarks, welcoming the participants. More importantly, he reminded all participants on ACT’s vision and mission, discipline, and safety throughout the expedition. At around 6pm participants started to move back to their hotels. For ACT Perlis team that ridden to the venue earlier, ACT Johor gave them a lift on their chartered bus, and this continued throughout the event until day 2. What a beautiful spirit shown among ACT members! Bravo!

At their respective hotels, it was free and easy for all participants. Some took a good rest, but quite many took the chance to walk around the town. For note, Jerteh is the centre of transit for drivers travelling across the East coast route. It is also the transit point for tourists to Pulau Perhentian. A family of French tourist was spotted buying ‘Kuih Belimbing’- a local dish textured and tasted like cream puff at the Jerteh Souq – a night spot for food in the town. Writer also discovered a local Malay Pau seller that has been on the street for over 25 years. He shared his view on development in Jerteh over the years. In general he agreed that despite he is happy with the structural and economical development in the town, the development of moral values among the younger generation does need more attention.

Participants went to bed at 10.00pm as per schedule. However there are some that stayed later than the hour.

Day no. : 1

Day : Saturday

Date : 24^th April 2010

Route : Jerteh – Jeli

GPS data by Sufyan Bakir

Participants were up and ready at the Dewan Majlis Daerah Besut as early as after Subuh prayer. Many took safe step to wake up and shower early as the hotel room was only equipped with one bathroom/toilet. Around 6.50 am all participants were already lined up at the Dataran Astaka for the start of the expedition.

At 7.30am, the opening ceremony for Day 1 started. Among guests were Tuan Haji Deraman Che Mat representing Penyelia Penghulu Daerah Besut, and Chief of Traffic Police. In his speech, Tuan Haji Deraman expressed his gratitude to ACT for choosing Jerteh as the starting point of the expedition and wished the contingent for success and safe journey. He also took the chance to give positive remarks on ACT’s culture to start the program with the recital of ‘Basmallah’.

Contingent was released at 7.50am by Tuan Haji Deraman.

A misfortune occurred just after the 8^th kilometer of the journey right after the Jerteh – Machang border. 1 cyclist fell off his bicycle and sustains injury on his right arm. He was later brought to nearby hospital and confirmed unfit to continue the expedition. He admitted that durin the incident he was looking at people on the streetside rather focusing on his ride. None of other cyclist involved or effected from the incident.

The first stop was at Sekolah Rendah Pangkal Meleret, Machang, Kelantan. Contingent were welcomed with the beat of ‘Kompang’ by the students. The school management was very kind to provide refreshment for the contingent. Cyclist took the chance to mingle around with students and others. Mr. Haimi Mustapha, one of the school's old boys stated that the school has been around since the 1950s with around 200 students. During that time the roof was made by ‘Cagu’ leaves. He also added that during the Japanese occupation, the school had a club called ‘Kelab Bangsa Jepun’ where the villagers had to serve food to the Japanese army. Now the school is in much better condition with 541 students. Menwhile, the teachers expressed their happiness having ACT around. They believe it is a good exposure for the students and it is hoped to motivate them to do better in life.

Cyclists then took their time to ride around the village and make connection with the locals. In one of the event, Kelompok 8 joined a few villagers to collect grass for use to feed cows. Though it seemed to be easy, all takers that tried the grass cutting discipline agreed that this job is only for the toughs.

The contingent pursued the journey spending around 2 hours with the students and the villagers. As it approaches Zohor prayer the contingent arrived at Kg. Sungai Nibong Mosque. Afer prayer, participants had porridge for lunch. In a short chat with Mr. Ab. Razak Othman; the Imam of the mosque, Kg. Sungai Nibong is blessed with a very united community of villagers. The villagers are very strong on ‘gotong-royong’ activities and this value is being passed to the young generations by getting them involved actively in the events, such as by giving them leadership responsibilities. This instilled the sense of belonging in them thus enthusiasts them up for the tasks.

The contingent left Kg. Sungai Nibong and headed to Jeli, which was the destination of the day. They arrived at around 3.50pm; welcomed by the beat of ‘Kompang’ and the students of SMK Jeli.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by Pegawai Pendidikan Daerah Jeli , Tuan Haji Abd Kadir and Ustazah Jamaliah Bt Othman representing the Principal of SMK Jeli. In his speech, Tuan Haji Abd Kadir shared his thoughts that in his point of view, he is confident that members of ACT have the quality, and will be the leaders of the future. He was glad to understand ACT’s mission and vision to explore districts in Malaysia to build relationships, in the spirit to develop the rural areas with its local potential. Meanwhile, the Chief of Expedition made an interesting point for the students as he touched the issue of smoking among the teenagers, making them to make their own calculation on monetary loss of smoking. This point received good response from the students as they too joined in making rough mathematical calculation while seeking for rational of the topic.

To continue ACT’s tradition in concern of global warming, 2 trees were planted at the school yard. The trees are Mangosteen and Rambutan.

Participants later adjourned for the day. Male participants stayed at the nearby motelsl while Female participants and Central Committee stayed at the TNB guest house nearby the school. Since the day was very hot and tiring, many cyclists slept early.

Day no. : 2

Day : Sunday

Date : 25^th April 2010

Route : Jeli – Tasik Banding

GPS data by Sufyan Bakir

This day is the highlight of this expedition. The challenge today is to ride across Banjaran Titiwangsa to reach Banding Lake, Temengor, Perak. Cyclists gathered at Jeli Mosque as early as 6.33am. The opening ceremony started at 6.55am. Special guest present was Tuan Razali, Penggawa of Jeli Mosque.In his speech he challenged the contingent to proof themselves at the Banjaran Titiwangsa. He also made the contingent to cheer ‘Berjaya’ for three times, creating the winning ambiance for the day.

The contingent departed at 7.14am. After 20 kilometers, right before the ‘real’ climb started, the contingent stopped for refreshment at Kedai Makan Tomyam Air Panas. The contingent spent around 30 minutes there.

The contingent continued their journey at around 9.00am. Here, cyclists started to feel the bite. Regardless the pain they feel, they didn’t forget to enjoy the view of the nature.

After 1 hour the contingent stopped for rest at the Pergau Hydroelectric Station. In a short interview with the Chief of Expedition, he described the beauty of the forest as ‘unexplainable’. He also pointed out that we need to take action in order to preserve this beauty, and instead of only talking, actions need to be taken. One of the ways is by highlighting the beauty of the area to the public, hoping that it will slowly educate them to value the nature, thus avoiding any action that may harm the environment.

At 10.26am the contingent were back on the road, but not for too long as the next stop was just around half an hour later at the R&R Restoran Damai. For note, the word ‘Damai’ stands for ‘Darul Naim Agro Management Services Sdn. Bhd’. Right at the side of the restaurant stood a nursery for plants. Mr. Mat Yunon b Ibrahim whom has just operated the restaurant for the past 1 month was really happy to receive ACT’s visit to his place. He agreed that by doing this kind of expedition would assist to drive outsiders into rural area. This in any way will either directly or indirectly generate the economy for the locals. This is very important for long term sustainability and development.

The contingent was blessed with the cloudy weather throughout the day. Despite the continuous climb, many can still smile as they reach the peak of the Banjaran Titiwangsa. Here at Restoran Amira Titiwangsa the contingent stopped for break and enjoying the marvelous view. Many didn’t waste much time before they start snapping for pictures!

The rest of the journey was very relaxing, but with more risk. The contingent glided down the hill to reach Tasik Banding. The writer himself has never heard of Tasik Banding before was totally thrilled by the beauty of the lake. It is not too bad to say that the view, in a way has brought the contingent to the different world all together. The cleanliness of the area, the freshness of the air, the landscape, alll of them are just beyond the normal imagination of a typical rainforest.

For short refreshment the team stopped at Belum Rainforest Resort. After 10 minutes the contingent continued the journey to Banding Lakeside Inn, the final destination for the day. Here, 5 Rambutan trees were planted to mark around Banding Lakeside Inn. Cyclists were welcomed with small refreshment.

Cyclists were celebrated in a dinner organised at the Baling Lakeside Inn Ballroom. Among present were Mr. Mohd Tahir Ismail, representative of Pegawai Daerah Grik and Mr. Abd Samad, General Manager of Banding Lakeside Inn. One interesting point made by Mr. Mohd Tahir was the importance to preserve the Royal Belum Rainforest Resort as one of the oldest rainforest in the world. In the other note, Chief of Expedition expressed his agreement to the statement made by Mr. Mohd Tahir. He described the rainforest as ‘national asset’ and urge all participants to come strong together to preserve this god given treasure. Mr. Abd Samad was delighted to have ACT in hotel as the first big group accepted by the hotel since its 1-month old opening. He had also presented a voucher valued RM 7600 to ACT as discount for their stay in the hotel. For ACT, this is a form of proof of public’s recognition towards ACT’s efforts in line with its vision and mission.

The dinner ended at 10.00pm, marking the end of the day.

Day no. : 3

Day : Monday

Date : 26^th April 2010

Route : Tasik Banding – Baling

GPS data by Sufyan Bakir

The last day of expedition promised more challenge for the participants. Cyclist started to gather in front of Banding Lake side Inn after the Subuh prayer. The opening ceremony started at 6.55am. Presence was Tuan Mohd Noh bin Mahad, Chief of Police, Gri District. In his speech, he appreciated ACT’s expedition as a platform to build spirit of teamwork, and he would like to see cycling to become a culture among Malaysians, like in the Europe. He pointed out that Royal Malaysian Police will always give full support for this kind of activities, as this is also a good method to bridge the leaders of the country with the people.

The team departed at 7.20am. The whole contingent was surprised by the geographical structure of the route. Right from the beginning of the journey. Continuous climbing made some just felt unable to move on. Luckily with support from others and the sprirt of winning mentality instilled in all ACT members, they move on, together with everybody.

The first stop was at Hentian Sungai Lebey. Here, cyclist took some rest and refreshment.The contingent continued the journey after half hour. The journey continued in a more relaxing mode as it enters villages, education, and commercial areas.

The next stop was Al-Huda Mosque, Kampung Plang. The contingent were welcomed by the primary school students, the presentation of Silat Pulut and Silat Sangka Bunuh. Present at the welcoming ceremony were Mr. Abd Wahab b. Abdullah ,Chief of Kampung Plang, Mr. Phuah, Headmaster, Sekolah Rendah Plang, Mr. Mohd. Abd. Aris b. Mokhtar, Chariman, Majlis Belia Daerah, Mr. Syuib b. Lazim, Imam of Al – Huda Mosque, Mr. Abd. Ghazi Chief of RELA, Mr. Jalil Alwi, Penghulu Mukim Krunai, Mr. Sufian, Chief, Cawangan Plang Utara, and Mr. Yusof b. Sulaiman (Secretary). Mr. Abd Wahab explained in his speech that generally the village has around 2000 villagers with around 300 houses. On behalf of the villager he expressed his gratitude to have ACT to stop by, even for a short while and hope that ACT will come again in the future. Chief of Expedition later in his speech highlighted to cyclists that the purpose of the expedition is not for vacation, but it is a chance to learn. Contingent was later served with mee-hoon and orange drink prepared by the villagers on ‘gotong-royong’ spirit. Cyclists took this chance to mingle with the villagers and build connection.

At Kampung Plang, Bunga Tanjung trees were planted at the mosque’s yard.

As the contingent left the pit stop, it was near noon time. Villagers ‘warned’ all cyclists about one of the hill called ‘Bukit Paku’. Taking note of this, the ride goes on. And yes, the ‘warning’ was valid. Under the hot sun cyclists were challenged with the long and steep hillside of Bukit Paku. For the good of all, Chief of Expedition called for rest. After half hour the journey continued. The ride was smooth glide down the hill until the contingent approaches Bukit Buloh. Unexpectedly, heavy rain pours down, but the ride goes on. Rain stopped after 15 minutes.

At 3.15pm the contingent reached Kafeteria Pengkalan Hulu, Grik. Here the contingent stopped for refreshment for 40 minutes before proceed. Overhere, a group of 25 motorcyclists from Pemuda Cawangan Batu 42, Baling waited for the contingent to escort them all the way to Baling town.

The contingent arrived at Baling town at 4.30pm, made a short trip around the town before entering Dewan Kenanga Tun Abdul Razak, which is the final destination. The contingent was welcomed with the presentation of Silat Gayung Harimau Berantai. The best part of the show was the demonstration by a lady practitioner for self defence for ladies, which is a very important knowledge nowadays.

In the welcoming ceremony, among presence were Tuan. Hj. Ahmad Fisol b. Hj Md Nor, Officer of Baling District, Mr.Saiful Anuar, Assistance District Officer, Mr Hasbullah Assistance District Officer, Tuan Hj Abd Rahman, Representative of ADUN Bayu, Dr. Delima Bt Kalsom Health Officer of Baling District, Mr. Mohd Desa, Engineer of JKR Baling, and Mr. Mohd Robi Bin Abd Wahab.

Tuan Hj. Ahmad Fisol said in his speech that despite that he had to wait for few hours for the contingent to arrive (on paper, arrival was scheduled at 2.30pm), he was very honored to be around and be a part of the program. He whom has full understanding on ACT’s concern on environmental issues, agreed that the tree planting symbollic practiced by ACT will leave a sweet memory for all and that is very important. To celebrate ACT’s contingent, the MP of Baling has sponsored the special local meal of ‘Gulai Batang Pisang’ for all.

Chief of Expedition in his speech said that ACT was formed on the platform of love towards education, and the wants to educate the nation towards the development of the country. In order to do that, each self must be equipped with good physical and spiritual basis. The focus has always been to seek for potential to develop rural and areas, as well as to foster relationship with each and every heart of Malaysians. ACT members are taught to be able to mingle with every level of society, and must crave to learn new things at all time. Lastly he thanked all parties involved throughout the days of expedition from the local authorities, the JKKKs, Royal Malaysian Police from the Traffic Branch, and all the committee members that has worked hard to make the expedition a successful one. He also thanked Allah for HIS blessing that throughout the journey so much new thing has been learned about the society, culture and environment that we all must appreciate and preserve.

Three ‘Tiara Payung’ trees planted at the yard of Dewan Kenanga Tun Abdul Razak and later all participants were treated with ‘Gulai Batang Pisang’. The program ended at around 5.30 pm after group photo was taken.