With ‘Red2Green’ flags and the Jalur Gemilang in their hands, about 30 anti-bauxite volunteers from Kuantan started their long trek to Parliament in Kuala Lumpur to help highlight the issue of pollution which resulted from the recent bauxite mining rush in Pahang.

The first 20km leg of their walk started at 8am from the house of Che Long Che Ali, one of the organisers of the ‘Red2Green’ campaign, in Beserah.

Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh who joined the walk this morning said that their destination is the town of Kuantan.

She said that the walkers from Beserah arrived in Kuantan at about 11.30am.

"Twenty walked all the way to Kuantan, while 10 walked halfway before continuing the journey in cars as they were exhausted.

"Those that walked was so fast that they only took three hours to reach today's checkpoint," she told Malaysiakini.

Fuziah who walked with the volunteers for two kilometres said that most of them live in Kuantan Town, so they will spend the night at home before continuing their trek tomorrow.

She said that the walk went smoothly and many cars honked to give them support and encouragement.

Fuziah who led the coalition fighting against bauxite pollution said that they are prodiving a medical team, food, drinks and other essentials to support the walkers.

"We will make sure that they arrive safely to Parliament House," she said.

Meanwhile, Che Long - who completed the first leg of the journey - urged more people to join their trek.

"I am happy that our journey today was successfully concluded. And no one got injured. We welcome those that want to join us," he told Malaysiakini.

Che Long added that tomorrow's leg of the journey will be a 30km trek to Gambang from Kuantan Town.

The ‘Red2Green’ programme will be ongoing over the next 17 days as the anti-bauxite group make their way to Parliament House, aiming to arrive on March 28 to deliver their memorandum to the government and parliamentarians.