KUALA LUMPUR: Six Malaysians will embark on a motorcycle expedition from London to Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the 66th Independence Day celebrations in August.
Global Bike Explorer Sdn Bhd chief executive officer and expedition leader Arep Kulal said the expedition was expected to take 66 days, crossing 66 cities in 16 countries, to commemorate the historic journey of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, who brought the Malayan Declaration of Independence from London to Kuala Lumpur in 1957.
"As participants, we want to experience the challenges he faced during that time.
"Ekspedisi Perpaduan Watikah Kemerdekaan 66 London-Kuala Lumpur 2023 will kick off on June 20 in London. Over the course of 66 days, we will traverse 16 countries, covering a distance of nearly 22,000km to reach Kuala Lumpur by Aug 31," he said in an interview today.
Arep said the expedition was supposed to start last year in conjunction with the 65th Independence Day.
"However, we were informed at the very last minute that Myanmar's borders were closed and that we wouldn't have a route to return home.
"Therefore, the expedition was postponed to this year, and will join the 66th Independence Day parade this year.
Investment, Trade and Industry minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, who announced the event today, said this was the first expedition from London to Kuala Lumpur.
The expedition is supported by the Superbikers Association Malaysia, the largest motorcycle association in the country, with Quantum Metal Sdn Bhd as its main sponsor.
"This programme fosters patriotism within ourselves and Malaysian society as a whole," Zafrul said.
"The aim is to demonstrate to the youths the arduous struggles undertaken by past leaders through a long and challenging journey."
He said 5,000 souvenirs in the form of flag-shaped keychains and iconic buildings representing Malaysia would distributed to the public at each stop along the way to promote the nation's Independence Day.
"This expedition will surely bring splendid memories to the members when they return to their home country."