GEORGE TOWN: A. Santana Dass might have lost half his right arm but he has not lost his spirit and love for the country.
This 35-years-old goat breeder is determined to put his setback behind him and bring pride to the country by recording Longest Distance Single Handed (Disabled) Motorcycle Ride in Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) and also Guinness World Records (GWR).
His 6,063 kilometre journey will begin on Malaysia Day, Sept 16 at 9am from Bukit Jambul here heading to Bangkok, Thailand, then reaching Myanmar before heading back south to Singapore and return to Penang by 8pm on Sept 29.
His journey involving three neighbouring countries will be on his specially modified Yamaha R25 which he has been using on a daily basis for the past one and a half years.
He has spent RM700 to change the throttle from the right handle bar of the motorcycle to his left so that he can ride it.
“It is going to be difficult but I am used to it now.
“My ambition is to show the love for my country by carrying the Jalur Gemilang on my motorcycle and go on this long journey.
“Yes I am an OKU (disabled) but that will never stop me from doing this. I have decided to challenge myself and set a good example to others to take away the stigma of a disabled person’s capabilities in achieving one’s dream,” he said at a press conference at Batu Uban Service Centre here today.
Previously Santana Dass was working as a restaurant manager in Singapore and he eventually quit his job and returned home early 2015.
However, tragedy struck him. He was involved in an accident at Jalan Macalister in which he lost half his right arm.
Santana Dass said he had no problem participating in the ride.
“The toughest challenge I have to bear is that my bike is quite heavy, but I have got used to it and I hope I can complete the challenge,” he added.
His official application for the MBR has been approved. However he is still awaiting for the GWR.
The person who will be most worried about the 6000km journey was his 35-year-old wife E. Poovaneswary who said she was worried about his ride but did not want to stand in his way of fulfilling his dream.
The total cost for the journey was estimated over RM27,000 and for a start Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan has contributed RM1,000 as a sign of showing support for Santana Dass.
Santana Dass said he was looking for sponsorship to cover the expenses for the journey which also includes motorcycle maintenance service and accommodation.
“As proof to show to MBR I have to record my whole trip and take photographs along the way. I am also seeking assistance from motorcycle riders associations to accompany me at some stages of my journey, for safety purposes,” said Santana Dass.
Interested parties who wish to contribute for the journey can bank in to his CIMB account at 7022480401. For further details regarding sponsorship call his wife at 018-2684293.