Former blood cancer patient crosses Sungai Pahang
Zaki Bijak was known for his past adventures, such as the Borneo Tour on RM1 and the Peninsula Tour by hitchhiking.
TEMERLOH - A former stage three blood cancer patient Mohd Zaki Yamani Azman, 35, also known as Zaki Bijak, is determined to paddle across the 475-kilometre (km) length of Sungai Pahang in a solo kayak expedition that began on Aug 8.
Zaki who was the youngest of five siblings, was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and has been completely free of the disease for several years.
He was known for previous missions, including the Borneo Tour with RM1 and the Peninsula Tour by hitchhiking.
Zaki said the solo paddle started from Ulu Tembeling, Jerantut, with the final destination being Pekan.
"This expedition marks the 10th anniversary of my cancer diagnosis and it aims to raise awareness among the public and fellow cancer warriors to keep fighting. It aligns with my tagline, "cancer is not a ticket to die."
"Coinciding with the National Day celebration, I hope cancer patients can be free and independent from this disease. Thankfully, I have been cancer-free for more than five years despite being attacked three times in the past 10 years," he said when met on Thursday.
He emphasised that the expedition was not specifically planned, but he prepared thoroughly for two weeks to build his stamina through hiking activities.
As an independent tour guide, Zaki said his experience with kayaking has mostly been limited to short distances of a few hours.
Moreover, the native of Bukit Rang, Pulau Tawar, Jerantut, expressed gratitude for the strong support he received from villagers at various stops along his journey.
"There were definitely challenges, such as the scorching heat and river currents. If the water was calm, I could paddle non-stop for up to three hours. I also faced a storm at the Jerantut Ferry.
"I aim to complete this mission within two weeks and hope everything goes smoothly," he said, adding that he funded the expedition himself with around RM3,000 without any sponsorship.
Meanwhile, houseboat owner Saipul Bahari Mustafa, 49, said he admired Zaki's spirit.
"I learned about the solo paddle through social media and when I found out he was here and stopped by this houseboat, I offered him accommodation.
"I'm proud of his determination and I know I couldn't take on such a challenge myself," he added.
