By Zaki Salleh
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite enduring severe pain from a foot injury, Solidarity with Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK) Secretariat chief Neow Choo Seong completed the DAK Solidarity Run, which concluded at the Parliament building here today.
Neow completed the entire journey of more than 270 kilometres, which began in Taiping on June 17 and ended in the capital after six days of traversing several locations.
He reportedly suffered a worsening injury after completing the challenging and hilly stretch between Tanjung Malim and Kuala Kubu Bharu.
Although doctors advised him to rest, his determination to complete the mission and deliver a petition to Parliament drove him to continue the journey.
After receiving treatment, Neow was no longer able to run as usual and had to complete the remaining distance by brisk walking while enduring considerable pain.
On the final day, he successfully covered 15km in the morning and the remaining 10km in the afternoon to complete the run.
The finishing location, which was originally planned at Bank Negara Malaysia, was later moved to the Perdana Botanical Garden due to safety considerations, traffic congestion and logistical coordination involving various parties.
The closing ceremony was attended by representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), print and electronic media personnel, radio live broadcast crews, police officers and members of the public who turned up to show their support.
The atmosphere became even more vibrant as several political figures and community activists accompanied Neow on the final stretch towards the finishing point.
Among those present were former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former deputy minister of international trade and industry Ong Kian Ming, who joined the closing event in support of the run.
The DAK Solidarity Run was organised to raise awareness and bring public attention to efforts aimed at protecting and conserving Malaysia’s elephant population.
