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SHAH ALAM – Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman's 'gratitude run' has surpassed its fundraising target after collecting RM361,848 within two days.
The amount far exceeded the initial RM200,000 target set for the four-day initiative.
The Muar MP said he was overwhelmed by the extraordinary support from Malaysians, who not only contributed financially but also provided encouragement throughout the run.
He said the third day of the journey, which began from Labu, Negeri Sembilan, passing through Seremban and Pedas before ending in Kota, proved to be a major challenge as he experienced severe muscle cramps.
“Today, my body was really struggling. The cramps came throughout my body and there were moments when I felt it was very difficult to continue.
“Even while recording this video, I can still feel the cramps coming back,” he said in a video he posted on his social media account.
Syed Saddiq said the situation became even more challenging when heavy rain hit as he arrived in Pedas.
However, he said his determination was restored after seeing many people still waiting by the roadside to show their support.
“For the final three kilometres towards Kota, I could no longer run and had to walk. But when I arrived and saw the crowd waiting, my spirit came back.
“Throughout the journey, there were uncles and aunties who came forward to hand us cash contributions. The smallest donation we received was 50 sen,” he said.
Syed Saddiq said his team initially planned to provide assistance amounting to RM200,000, but the increase in donations would allow the aid programme to be expanded.
He said the additional funds would be used to increase assistance for the community in Muar.
“Thank you everyone and thank you Malaysia. This is no longer just my journey, but our journey together,” he said.
