Pakcik Mukhlis takes 400km walk to help children with cancer
Walking 400km to help the needy may be challenging for many but Mukhlis Ilyas was eager to take it on as he was determined to make a contribution in whatever way possible.
When contacted via phone by Malaysiakini, Mukhlis, 57, asked reporters to hold on as he was walking and needed a place to rest...
Walking 400km to help the needy may be challenging for many but Mukhlis Ilyas was eager to take it on as he was determined to make a contribution in whatever way possible.
When contacted via phone by Malaysiakini, Mukhlis, 57, asked reporters to hold on as he was walking and needed a place to rest.
Despite occasionally sighing with exhaustion, the voice of the senior citizen was upbeat and enthusiastic as he spoke about the purpose of his 'expedition'.
“I started walking from Dec 24 in Desaru, Johor, and now I have arrived in Mersing on the fifth day," he said.
After this, I will continue walking towards Kuala Rompin, then to Pekan and I am expected to arrive in Kuantan on Dec 31.
Mukhlis clarified that he only campaigns to help children with cancer through the NGO Kumpulan Ibu Bapa Dan Sokongan Anak-Anak Kanser - KIDS.
"I am not an NGO member, I just want to help them,” he said.
The senior citizen's journey began to garner attention after the NGO and Mukhlis himself uploaded pictures and videos of the journey's progress, which in turn prompted members of the public to donate to support the cause.
There is also a gofundme page for overseas donors.
Mukhlis also recounted the weather being too hot and encountering wild animals such as snakes and wild cats as his biggest challenges.
"And right now, my legs are badly sore and it is quite difficult to walk. But overall physically, I am okay,” he added.
He said there were many members of the public who extended their help when they saw him walking.
"Many people get out of the car when they see me walking. They offer me biscuits, water and money.
"I actually do not want to take their money, but they force me to take it. I will give it to the NGO later. This is more than RM300,” he said with a small laugh.
Mukhlis added that he also did not stay in hotels or chalets. Instead, he brought a tent and sleeping bag and a red and yellow trolley containing basic equipment.
"There are some biscuits and important items such as medicines, but if I want to eat, I will walk and if I find a stall, I will rest there and eat.
"If I find a beach or a public toilet, I will take a shower there. There is no problem for me,” he said in a cheerful tone.
Kumpulan Ibu Bapa Dan Sokongan Anak-Anak Kanser - KIDS is an organisation established to help children with cancer.
The mission of the organisation is to raise funds to help buy basic necessities for the less fortunate patients.
From Mecca to Medina
Mukhlis revealed that he and several other individuals initially planned to walk from Mecca to Medina while performing umrah to help the unfortunate.
"The initial plan was that we wanted to walk from Mecca to Madinah while performing umrah, while campaigning for these cancer-stricken children, and it should have taken place last month.
"I have also been training since last November to walk because we need to know some techniques to travel that far.
“But given the situation of Covid-19, we decided to postpone the initial plan and do it in Malaysia first.
"So, I help their NGO and make this trip in Malaysia a training exercise for a travel expedition in Mecca later," he added.
Apart from that, Mukhlis also said he wants to make the most of his life to help the needy.
"I actually quit my job after the age of 50 and I really want to spend the rest of my life to help all those in need.
"But I apologise. I have no property, no money. Only legs to endow to help children (cancer patients) or anyone in need. So, I walk," he said.
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