SOME 131 motorcycle enthusiasts banded together to ride across the three districts of Brunei starting from Tutong to raise donations for the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund yesterday.
Dubbed the "Merdeka Ride for Palestine Charity", the procession involving various types of bikes from easy-riders, scooters, racers, to Harley-Davidsons, congregated early in the morning at the Tutong Community Hall where the flag-off ceremony was initiated.
The event, which gathered bikers from all over the region, was organised by the Tutong Bikers Volunteer group, their first time hosting such an event.
From Tutong, they proceeded to Seria Town in Belait where they collected a donation box for the Palestinian Fund.
The procession then returned to the Tutong Community Hall for lunch and continued their journey to the capital, concluding at the Mall, Gadong to collect another donation box.
Mohd Dazlyn Hj Mohd Daud, the secretary of the volunteer group, said they have currently raised about $1,310 based on $10 entry fees each for participating bikers. All proceeds will go to the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund.
"We organised such an event because we've been hearing about all the devastation caused in Palestine from the news and radio broadcasts, so we just wanted to play our part and help out.
The event was also held to mark the National Day Silver Jubilee as a way of enlivening the celebrations, he said.
Hasrin HB, one of the riders in the event and an avid bike collector, said he chose to participate to help the people of Gaza.
"It's just saddening to see images of Palestinians suffering on the Internet, in the news, and hearing about it on the radio, so this is for our brothers and sisters in Palestine, I just wanted to contribute in helping out for their wellbeing."
He added that the event was also to create a closer bikers community, regardless of what type of bike everyone had.
"It's a good way to get to know one another and create unity among bikers. I think the message we want to get across is that it doesn't matter what type of bike you are riding, just ride with us."
This sentiment was shared by Amilin Pg Mohammad, a bike enthusiast for five years, who believed that this event was a way of fostering a sense of friendship among bikers.
"In a way, it creates a sense of togetherness as we ride together on this long journey and at the same time, we also get the chance to teach each other on the proper way of riding bikes as well as contributing to the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund."
Amilin, who rides a Harley-Davidson, said that this was not his first time doing a similar charity ride as he was also involved in raising funds for tsunami victims of Thailand a few years ago.
"I just like doing these charity events as it gives me the chance to be a good samaritan and at the same time I get to enjoy my hobby of riding bikes."
Present to officiate the ceremony was Tutong District Officer Hj Idris Hj Mohd Ali, who presented a donation box to the chairman of the volunteer group, Hassan Hj Zunaidi.
The district officer than waved the national flag as the riders began their journey from Tutong. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
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