PETALING JAYA: For the past 10 years, without any publicity, a father and son team has been making regular trips along the East-West Highway between Gerik and Jeli in the north with one mission – to help motorists on the road.
Bernama reported that this has become a routine for Amir Faizal and his teenage son, Adam, from Sungai Petani, Kedah.
Over the past two years, it has been their hobby to embark on these journeys.
They have undertaken numerous rescue operations, helping with accidents, flat tyres and removing fallen trees along the stretch that crosses the mountainous and forested main range.
They depart from their home in Bandar Seri Astana, Sungai Petani, around 9am, reaching Batu Melintang, Jeli, by lunchtime, covering 400km. They then return home.
“This road is a form of therapy for me because I can see the lush greenery and have the chance to witness wildlife, such as elephants. This has a calming effect on me,” Amir, a trader, said.
Amir drives a Proton Exora equipped with a chainsaw, emergency kit, fire extinguisher and jumper cables to assist anyone in need.
Amir, 45, said his experience in rescue work dated back 10 years, when he became a volunteer with the Civil Defence Force (APM).
At first, his voluntary service was only focused on residents in Sungai Petani but now he offer his services wherever he goes, especially on the Gerik-Jeli route.
The holiday season keeps him busy, with potholes, landslides and fallen trees blocking the road.
“On one trip, I came across four cars with flat tyres due to potholes. I’ve also often helped clear fallen trees obstructing the road.”
Amir hopes to continue doing his voluntary work as long as his health permits.
A regular user of the highway, Ahmad Fauzi Azizan, hopes the authorities set up rest areas along this highway.
He said this highway has seen increasing traffic over the years as it was an important route to the east coast from Kedah, Perlis and Penang. - FMT
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