MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2014 -  KUALA LUMPUR - The Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail sets aside protocol and cycles with a team regularly throughout the state, meeting the local villagers.

The 46-year-old cycles between 10km and 25km, depending on the location of the village he visits, with his team. Along the way, he looks for poor and needy Muslims who can be assisted and visits their homes. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, reports Bernama, has been touring the state on his bicycle these past few years as he believes this is the best way to get close to the people and learn of their woes.

As the president of the Perlis Islamic Religious Council (MAIPs), Tuanku Syed Faizuddin is accompanied by senior MAIPs offi cials including its chief executive officer, Ustaz Malik Hussin, the manager of Baitulmal Perlis, Ustaz Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor and state police chief Datuk Zull Aznam Haron.

And the villagers welcome his visit as it brings a sense of hope to their lives. A former homeguard volunteer, Yup Yusuf, 75, was elated when the Raja Muda dropped in at his home in Paya Burma last April. During the visit, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin presented the zakat (tithe) from MAIPs amounting to RM400. Another local, Jamaliah Saad, 55, from Kampung Gial received a new, three-room home worth RM33,000, contributed by MAIPs in December.

MAIPs paid for the new house after the Raja Muda, during his cycling tours found her living in a shack. When a storm hit Perlis in April, damaging 70 houses, the Raja Muda cycled to the aff ected area to provide a helping hand.

The Raja Muda’s cycling tours usually start after Asar prayers and end after Isyak prayers at a designated mosque. Since early this year, the Raja Muda has made more than 40 cycling trips, visiting over 100 poor villagers, states the Bernama release. Some are curious as to why the Raja Muda cycles when he can travel comfortably in a vehicle.

Welfare and health

For Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, it is all about going to the ground and seeing to the people’s welfare.

And cycling is a healthy activity that he wishes to promote to the society. When launching the extreme cycling track at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Perlis in Arau recently, he said: “Cycling serves as a good cardiovascular exercise, strengthening the body and mind, helping one to lead an active and healthy life. A healthy lifestyle helps to prevent diabetes, obesity, arthritis and depression.” Of course it helps that the landscape of Perlis is flat.

The Raja Muda also participates in cycling events conducted by other parties including the Regiment 504 of the Territorial Army, of which Tuanku Syed Faizuddin is the commander. The Raja Muda also cycles beyond Perlis, with his latest cycling expedition called Royal Pearl Balik Pulau Ride which headed for Penang on June 8.

Old-style activity

The older generation also take cycling seriously in Perlis. A retired teacher, Azizan Ali, 65, cycled across the peninsula two years ago. The former headmaster of Sekolah Kebangsaan Kubang Gajah, Perlis plans to cycle 57km in conjunction with the 57th Merdeka in August. He also plans to swim 57km and run that same distance. Rohani Rahmani, 59, who had cycled to Thailand on several occasions is now planning another cycling tour. 

Promoting cycling

The cycling is now being taken seriously by various government departments and agencies through activities to enhance physical fitness. For example, the state police contingent organised the “PDRM International Border Ride 2014” in April in conjunction with the 207th Police Day. About 800 participants, including Perlis police chief Datuk Zull Aznam Haron and the police counterparts from Thailand, took part in the 20km cycling around Padang Besar town. Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) organises Jom Berbasikal Jelajah Perlis from time to time. The Perlis Forestry Department provides a cycling circuit for endurance cycling activities that cuts across traditional orchards in Sungai Batu Pahat. There is also an endurance cycling track worth RM1.1 million in Sungai Batu Pahat built by the Tourism Ministry. Cycling enthusiast, Rohizam Ahmad, 31, feels the public should make use of the cycling facilities for the sake of their health. All they need to do is buy a bicycle and start cycling and enjoy the fresh air. Just like the Raja Muda of Perlis.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin (right) starting one of his cycle visits in Kuala Perlis on May 20. — Picture from Bernama

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