It's worth the 'torture'

It's worth the 'torture' Naveen Mathew Menon, NST, Monday 5th May 2008 KUALA LUMPUR: You can undertake a physically challenging bicycle race, yet have fun in the company of other riders, soak in Malaysia's natural beauty and at the same time do your part for charity. That's what the Malakoff charity ride holds for you. It won't be easy, it may even be a 'torture' to some but it would be worth it, said Nor Shakiman Muhammad, Malakoff's senior vice president held recently. The Malakoff Charity Ride 2008 will be held on May 17- 19. "The Malakoff Charity bicycle ride is in its fourth year but this is the first time we will be opening the event to the public," said Nor Shakiman. In the past, the charity ride was limited to employees of Malakoff, its subsidiaries and business partners. But, this year, with more corporate and public participation, the company hopes to raise more money for charity. The aim of the intensive three-day ride, 480km from Gombak to Kuala Terengganu, is to raise more than RM60 000 for charity homes situated en route. Organisations such as orphanages and old folks homes that will benefit from this ride will include Rumah Darul Izzah (Temerloh), Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (Temerloh) and Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (Kemamam). Nor Shakiman who had never ridden a bicycle for more than 50km at a time found his first ride from Malacca to Johor Bharu in 2005 a good experience and it caught his interest. "The following years proved to be more challenging. It gave people in remote areas a chance to meet and mingle with riders and corporate people," he said. "The satisfying part of the ride is that after the 'torture', you get to spend some time each day with people who are underprivileged," he said. Those who wish to take part in the ride will have to make a minimum donation of RM2,000 per participant. "Corporations are strongly encouraged to take part in this ride as programmes like this foster unity amongst Malaysians." Nor Shakiman also said that the company would support participants by sponsoring accommodation and food for the three day two nights event. There will also be support personnel with cars and an ambulance to help the participants in case they need help. Endie Tofil Md Tuffile, administration and corporate affairs executive said about 70 riders had already registered for the event. The maximum number of participants will be limited to 120. For more information, e-mail endie.tuffile@malakoff.com.my **taken from New Straits Times