IPOH: Solidarity with DAK (Dara, Amoi and Kelat) secretariat coordinator Neow Choo Seong is determined to reach Parliament despite twisting his knee.
Neow, who is embarking on a six-day, 290km solo run from Taiping to Parliament, injured his leg at Padang Rengas on Wednesday (June 17).
"I was trying to avoid a car and twisted my knee on the uneven road.
"It didn't break my spirit. I was supposed to run for 60km, but still managed to complete 50km," he said in a press conference at Ipoh Padang.
"I'm going to get my leg checked at a hospital. If the doctor advises me to stop, I will get a painkiller jab.
"I am determined to complete my run, reaching Parliament before the first day of the Dewan Rakyat meeting," he added.
The run is meant to raise awareness and support for the return of the three Malaysian elephants, collectively known as DAK, currently housed at Tennoji Zoo in Japan.
Neow would hand over a petition to Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong at Parliament's main entrance, hoping the concerns raised can be brought before the Dewan Rakyat.
DAK were transferred to Japan on March 11 this year, which had drawn criticism from animal welfare groups and activists, questioning whether the animals should remain overseas.
Neow said he was met by well-wishers as well as curious onlookers.
"I interact with them, raising awareness about how much we need to protect the elephants and most importantly what actions the government will take.
"Along the way, six people also joined me," he said.
"I am hoping more would join or interact with me along the way," he said, adding that the run has been challenging due to the hilly terrain and winding roads.
Neow said he would continue his run from here to Kampar at 5am.
"I will be welcomed by students and animal lovers from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, to have a session with them," he said.
The run will continue taking Neow through Perak and Selangor, with scheduled stops in Tapah, Bidor, Tanjung Malim and Selayang before reaching Parliament on June 22.
