A woman’s journey home for Raya has gone viral after she travelled nearly 140km on a motorcycle with her two young sons.
The woman, who wished to be known as Nadhira, made the journey from Hulu Langat, Selangor to Teluk Intan, Perak on a Honda Vario 125 with her sons aged seven and 12.
Chose motorcycle due to financial constraints
As reported by Harian Metro, Nadhira said the journey was not an easy one, but she was determined to return to her hometown to meet her parents during festive seasons.
She explained that financial constraints led her to choose a motorcycle as her main mode of transport.
According to her, taking a bus for three people could cost around RM70 one way, not including additional expenses. She added that it would also be difficult to reach her hometown as it is located in a more rural area.
With a motorcycle, the total cost including food and drinks is less than RM50, much cheaper compared to RM150 to RM170 if using public transport,” she said.
Has been doing this for the past two years
Nadhira said she has been travelling back to her hometown by motorcycle for the past two years.
It has since become a routine for her, including during school holidays and Aidiladha.
“What matters most to me is my parents. As long as they are still around, I will try to return no matter what.”
Journey can take up to seven hours
She shared that the journey usually takes between four and a half to seven hours, depending on how often they stop along the way.
Throughout the trip, she would stop several times at Rest and Service areas to rest and ensure her children remain comfortable.
“At the same time, I will talk to them and ask if they are tired so they do not feel stressed,” she said.
Faced breakdown and challenging weather conditions
Nadhira said one of the main challenges she faces is unpredictable weather, especially when it rains while they are on the highway without a place to take shelter.
She also recalled an incident last year when her motorcycle broke down along the West Coast Expressway.
“At that time, I felt lost and cried by the roadside because I did not have much money, but the experience taught me to be more prepared,” she said.
Prepares food to manage costs
To ensure a smoother journey, Nadhira said she usually prepares food from home and brings drinks for her children.
At times, she cooks and packs meals to eat at rest stops, while on other occasions she only brings water.
“If we stop at a petrol station, my children will ask for snacks and drinks, so I will buy what I can afford,” she said.
She also advised other parents to prioritise safety if they plan to travel long distances by motorcycle with children.
The safety of children must always come first. We also need to be mentally and physically strong because long journeys require full focus on the road,” she said.
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