At 69, most people might be looking for a slower pace of life. But Penang-born Cheah Chee Boon has decided to do the opposite.
The retiree, who is living with several health problems, has set off alone on a 2,026km walking journey around Peninsular Malaysia, pulling a handcart weighing more than 100kg along the way. His goal is not just to complete another long-distance challenge, but to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 and encourage other retirees to get out of the house and keep doing the things they want to do.
This is not his first major journey. He previously walked from Johor Bahru to Chiang Rai, Thailand, covering around 3,000km while pulling a handcart.
Injured but refused to give up
Cheah began his latest challenge as planned on August 6, setting off from Padang Besar, Perlis. His planned route will take him through Kedah, Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang and Terengganu before eventually returning to Penang.
However, just four days into the journey, he stepped on a nail while passing through Alor Setar on August 10, injuring the sole of his foot. Despite the injury, he continued walking until he reached Butterworth, where he left his handcart at a friend’s home before travelling to Chiang Rai to rest and recover. He returned to Penang on the 19th and resumed his journey.
Cheah later took a ferry from Butterworth to Penang Island and visited his old friend, Peace And Harmony Home director Tan Swee Ban, at the care home, where he spoke to the media.
He hopes to walk 50 to 60km a day and complete the entire challenge within around 40 days if everything goes according to plan.
“I’m sick too, but I can still walk this far”
Cheah openly acknowledged that his health is not in the best condition. He has diabetes, which has affected his liver and kidneys, while his eyesight has reportedly deteriorated to around 40%.
“I’m already 69 years old and have many health problems. I don’t even know how long I have left to live,” he said. Rather than letting his health stop him, Cheah said he wants to show other retirees that they can still pursue their goals.
“I’m also someone who is sick, but I can still walk this far. I believe everyone can do what they want to do. The most important thing is to stay positive.”
He was invited by Tan to spend a night at the care home before continuing his journey, with his next plan being to return to Butterworth by ferry and continue walking towards Sungai Petani.
Taking the scenic route to promote Malaysia
Cheah originally intended to use the journey to raise funds for the care home, but Tan declined his offer. He then decided to turn the journey into a way of promoting Malaysia instead.
Along the way, he plans to photograph the places he visits and share them on Facebook, hoping to showcase Malaysia’s scenery and encourage more people, including foreigners, to visit the country.
His current plan is to complete one full circuit of Peninsular Malaysia. However, he said he would consider extending the challenge to East Malaysia if someone is willing to sponsor the transportation of his handcart there.
Cheah has already completed eight cycling journeys around Peninsular Malaysia and believes this could be his final round-the-peninsula challenge.
Why a handcart instead of a bicycle?
This time, Cheah deliberately swapped his bicycle for a handcart. He said bicycles are relatively common, while pulling a handcart is more unusual and could attract greater attention to his message.
And it seems to be working. People along the way have stopped to ask why he is doing it. Some have called him crazy after hearing about his challenge, while others have offered donations to support him. Some have even asked to sit in the handcart themselves, although Cheah said he had to turn them down because a permit would be required. For him, the hardest part of the journey is not necessarily the physical effort.
“It’s the mental challenge. When you keep walking alone and have nobody to talk to, you need to be mentally strong to continue.”
Carrying more than 100kg and keeping costs low
His handcart carries clothes, medication, spare parts and other essentials, bringing the total weight to more than 100kg.
His son helps cover some of his expenses, while Cheah also carries his own travel money. To stretch his budget, he collects recyclable items along the way and sells them for extra cash.
For accommodation, he usually camps outdoors. When he has friends along the route, he may stay with them, while occasionally choosing a budget hotel so he can shower and wash his clothes. As a vegetarian who eats just one meal a day, Cheah said his daily expenses are relatively low.
Despite travelling alone, he said he is not overly worried about what might happen.
“My belief is that we only come into this world once, so I’m not afraid of what may happen.”
Cheah has also registered as an organ donor, saying that if something does happen to him during the journey, he hopes his organs can be donated to others.
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