KUALA LUMPUR: Many years ago, businessman Rafi Ahmad had his motorcycle stolen, an experience which still lingers in his mind.
As such, when the 38-year-old learnt about the ordeal of Mardiana Abas, a mother of five from Kuantan whose life became infinitely difficult after the family’s sole mode of transportation became stolen, he knew he had to do something.
Rousing up some cash aid from acquaintances for Mardiana, Rafi and a friend embarked on a 300km motorcycle journey to Mardiana’s hometown of Kampung Sungai Karang Darat to help her out, Harian Metro reported.
Yesterday, he presented Mardiana not just with RM2,100 but also a second hand Honda EX5.
Mardiana’s plight was first featured on Facebook, when her old Honda C70 motorcycle was stolen in front of a supermarket in Balok on Monday afternoon.
Also missing were household goods, as well as her children’s school shoes which were in the motorcycle’s basket.
Working as a small-time trader, Mardiana had said that she was hit hard by the loss, as the motorcycle was her only mode of transport to carry out her daily activities.
The post went viral and drew the attention of netizens, who rallied to help her.
Taking up the mantle of the cause was Rafi, who collected donations from well-wishers and decided to do more.
“I know what it’s like to have a motorcycle stolen; it’s especially tough when you’re strapped for cash,” he said.
Rafi said he initially planned to donate a Honda C70 but thought the better of it as apart from maintenance issues, he would also have to ride it all the way to Kuantan.
“As such, I decided to buy a second hand motorcycle here and present it to her,” he said.
Rafi’s good deed has not gone unrecognised, with netizens praising him for his kindness. Some have even offered him accommodation at their homestay for the duration of his trip, while others have offered to pay for his ‘berbuka puasa.’
Mardiana, meanwhile, was touched by the gesture.
“I am very touched at the immense show of kindness by the public, especially Rafi who had traveled all this way to get me another motorcycle.”