| Lyna Mohamad |
BRUNEI Darussalam is such a peaceful and relaxing country and the people are very helpful and warm, and being a Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), it certainly portrays a country of high Islamic values, said Malaysian cyclist Muhd Najwan bin Faris Razali.
The 20-year-old from Selangor, Malaysia currently on his Solo Cycling Expedition in Borneo, made a stopover in the country as part of his cycling itinerary.
In an interview with the Bulletin where he opted to be interviewed at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital as it is one of the landmarks in the country that he so much wanted to visit, expressed gratitude to be able to visit the Abode of Peace which has been a memorable and valuable stay for him.
“This trip is a continuation of my first expedition I initiated three years ago where in that first trip I covered the whole states of West Malaysia and now while waiting for my convocation at the Kuala Langat Youth Skills Institute, I decided to choose Borneo as my next adventure destination,” said Muhd Najwan.
An enthusiastic cyclist since a very young age, Muhd Najwan arrived in Kuching, Sarawak on April 4, 2017 and began his long journey from the city heading to Sibu, Bintulu and Miri taking the opportunity to further explore the places he gets to stop over before entering Brunei via the Sungai Tujoh Control Post.
Upon entering the country last week, and receiving the warm welcome by the friendly border control post official, Muhd Najwan also takes pride knowing that Brunei, aside from visiting the country for the first time, also marks his first Asean member country in his expedition list.
Sharing his experience throughout his cycling journey, there have been challenges and obstacles though not much but it did not dampen his spirit of completing his second expedition and motivates himself to give his best and carry on.
“Road conditions throughout my journey so far was never an issue, only thing is my emotions at times were a bit distracting such as missing my family back home and going off track that would make me feel like crying but Alhamdulillah I manage to push myself and get back on track,” he added.
Muhd Najwan bin Faris Razali, Malaysian cyclist, currently in Brunei Darussalam. – LYNA MOHAMAD
Apart from getting to visit places he has never been and getting to know the local people and their cultures, Muhd Najwan also attended to invitations by several associations and individuals who heard of his expedition such as participating in a football tournament between teams from Kuching and Kedah.
“Here in Brunei, I helped out Tum Tum Cycles in Jerudong during the recent Brunei MTB Challenge in Kampong Lugu and the owner was kind and generous enough to guide me during my stay here and referring me to his friends in Sabah and Sarawak to help me.
“I am very thankful for his kind gesture,” said Najwan.
Asked whether the expedition is sponsored, Muhd Najwan noted that it is all under his expenses and initiative but a couple of close friends particularly in the cyclist community back home extended a helping hand, logistic wise and guidance as well as some cash contributions.
Being the second child of four siblings, Muhd Najwan hopes that this initiative will motivate and encourage them to pursue their interests.
He hopes this expedition will give him more lessons and experience to bring home.
“My advice to those with dreams and ambition, while we are still young and have time, go for what we want to do as long as it is the right thing to do and not doing wrong to others, believe in yourself and stay positive,” said Muhd Najwan.
The young adventurous cyclist left the country for Sabah on Tuesday evening via Labuan and will complete his expedition in Sabah before the fasting month of Ramadhan.
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