M’sian on global expedition still revving
Retiree on motorcycle travels to 40 countries since beginning journey last year
KUALA LUMPUR: A 63-year-old retired Malaysian, who started a journey around the world in early January last year on his motorcycle to advocate for environmental awareness and national pride, has reached his 40th country.
In February, Katiravan Subarayan arrived at his 32nd country, Kingston in Jamaica and continued to travel across countries such as Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia.
His stories and pictures from South America offer Malaysians a new perspective as it reveals the natural beauty of the continent.
Recently, he rode to his 40th country, Medellin in Colombia, Bernama reported.
On April 8, Katiravan and six other bikers from Colombia planted seven trees at a hilltop, named Family Welfare Garden, in Medellin.
“Our initial plan was to only plant three trees. While we were planting, the neighbours (joined in) to plant more trees.”
He said the participation from local schoolchildren was the highlight of the event, adding that he had a translator, another biker who helped him communicate with the Spanish-speaking locals.
He also said the event was joined by local environmental group leader Steven Pa Buena, along with schoolchildren, parents and neighbours.
Katiravan has successfully planted 66 trees across the countries he visited and emphasised the importance of sustainable living and planting more trees.
During his journey across South America, he said he experienced warm hospitality, encountered diverse cultures, participated in extreme sports and enjoyed a variety of cuisine.
“The best part has been meeting different people, who are friendly and always willing to help and of course, experiencing diverse
culinary delights.
“Many people I met did not know about Malaysia, but through tools like Google Translator, I can share the beauty of my homeland.”
Katiravan acknowledged the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in bridging language barriers and making communication easier across continents.
“AI has helped overcome the communication gap in different parts of the world,” he said, adding that he missed Malaysian cuisine.
“Food along the way has been fascinating, but I long for Malaysian delicacies like ayam rendang, asam pedas and nasi lemak.”
However, finding familiar flavours was unexpectedly easy for Katiravan as he discovered Indian restaurants
in the countries he visited.
Some local eateries even served rice and curries, with a tasteful variation that pleasantly surprised him.
“Rice may be ubiquitous, but it is the spicy flavours that evoke memories of home.”
On his quest to raise awareness about environmental issues, he said he found solidarity in the people he encountered.
“The people I met share a deep love and concern for the environment and acknowledge the impact of global warming. Their support has been invaluable.”
Katiravan’s goal is to visit 106 countries to spread awareness on global warming and promote the natural beauty of Malaysia.