By Naveendran a/l Jayabalan, Brenda Lim Kuan Lin, Russell Felix Cheah, and Tan Khai Shin
Pahang native, Mohamad Zaki Yamani bin Azman, was only in his mid-20s when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. In 2017, having battled the disease for three years, Zaki decided to go hitchhiking around Peninsular Malaysia to raise awareness about cancer and more importantly to inspire other cancer patients that life is worth fighting for and not to give up. His interest in hitchhiking was sparked by a backpacker from Finland whom Zaki helped many years ago.
Zaki hitchhiking with tourists to Kuala Tahan. Source: Facebook/Zaki Bijak
Armed with only RM13 for 13 days, Zaki began his journey from Jerantut to other destinations around Malaysia with the help of kind Malaysians he met along the way! That’s not all, he documents his travels and destinations regularly on social media through his Facebook posts, thanking Good Samaritans for their kindness and sharing his little nuggets of wisdom about life.
Zaki with some Good Samaritans who have helped him along the way. Source: Facebook/Zaki Bijak.
To date, Zaki continues the good fight against cancer and spreads positive vibes through his travels. Among his latest Facebook posts include his travels to the Holy City of Mecca. Indeed, Zaki embodies the essence of #KanserBukanTiketUntukMati which translates as ‘Cancer is not a ticket to death’ by beating the odds to lead an active lifestyle despite his illness.
Zaki in the Holy City of Mecca, recently. Source: Facebook/Zaki Bijak
Follow Zaki on his journey and fight against cancer on Facebook.
