IPOH: A one-legged member of the Scouts Association of Malaysia Perak will attempt a 360km solo kayaking journey from Tasik Banding in Gerik to Bagan Datuk.

       Mohd Syukor Shahuji, 29, said he wanted to show that his condition would not be a hindrance as he tries to become the first Malaysian with a disability to paddle his way into the Malaysia Book of Records.

       Originally from Hulu Selangor but currently residing in Kampar, Mohd Syukor, who is also a slow learner, said the journey would take place from Nov 6 to 13.

       “I will start from the lake and kayak to the Beting Beras Basah jetty in Bagan Datuk,” he told a press conference at the association’s headquarters in Jelapang here yesterday.

       “I have surveyed the route and it looks quite daunting.

       “I once kayaked solo for about 200km from Kuala Kangsar to Teluk Intan.

       “The expedition took three days and two nights,” he said, adding that his right leg was amputated following an accident in 2017.

       “I hope my effort can be an inspiration to others.”

       Mohd Syukor said he had initially felt depressed after losing his leg as he could not participate in any scout or kayaking activities for months.

       “I had even planned to hang up my boots but my friends and fellow Scouts encouraged me to continue doing what I love,” he said, adding that he started kayaking eight years ago and has been a Scout since 2007.

       Scouts Association of Malaysia Perak vice-president Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin said the attempt had been planned much earlier before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the schedule.

       He said Mohd Syukor was being trained by national solo kayaking athlete Murad Mohd Kassim.

       “We want to show that being disabled should not stop someone from being involved in sporting activities and having a patriotic spirit.

       “It is also an opportunity to promote rivers in the state for such activities,” said Zainol Fadzi, who is also a state executive council member.

       Perak Scouts commissioner Azam Shah Abdul Majid said they were planning to have Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu flag off the expedition and Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad welcome Mohd Syukor at the finishing line.