Not a walk in the park for them
Dad and son verbally abused on long trip
GEORGE TOWN: Pounding the road from south to north of peninsular Malaysia is no walk in the park. It’s certainly true for R. Ragu and his son, who have been hurled verbal abuse and rubbish as they try to complete the 1,400km Johor-to-Perlis walk to spread the meaning of Merdeka.
The father-and-son team is, nonetheless, unfazed and determined to stride on with their show of patriotism.
“This is the first time I’ve experienced people throwing things and hurling insults at me.
“My son was shocked that people would do such things in broad daylight,” said Ragu, 43, who is making the fifth such journey but is joined by his 13-year-old son Surya for the first time.
The father and son set off from Johor Baru on Aug 20 and will end their journey in Kangar on Malaysia Day this Sunday.
Thankfully, there were also kind souls they met along the way.
“We were invited to a wedding ceremony and made to feel welcome.
“Penang, especially, has been wonderful as people are very welcoming and kind,” said the odd-job worker here.
Ragu, who has five children aged between eight and 19, said his eldest daughter came up with the idea to celebrate National Day and Malaysia Day with an expedition as her birthday falls on Malaysia Day.
“We started it five years ago and this is my third time walking after twice cycling around the country.
“I previously walked with my daughters but this year, they have to concentrate on their studies, and so my son decided to join me. The expedition usually takes about a month as we make stops and stay over at different places,” he said.
Ragu, who is from Ipoh, said they would normally begin at 6am and finish at 7pm.
“National Day is generally celebrated for a few days and then people put away their flags.
“It should be celebrated at least for the whole month.
“It is not enough to just show our appreciation for a few days each year,” he said.
Ragu said he had been receiving messages on social media from people who expressed an interest in following him next year.
“I hope more people, especially the young, will join us as it is a meaningful experience,” he said, adding they trained for about three months and did a full medical check-up before the expedition.