MALACCA: For the next few weeks, trishaw man Frankie Tan Ming Kiong will be pedalling his trusted beca or trishaw from the Historical City to the Pearl Of The Orient.

His sole intention is to raise funds for four charitable organisations -- the National Council for the Blind, Women's Aid Organisation, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Malacca and Wings Malacca (a centre for learning-impaired children).

Besides helping these organisations raise funds, Tan said he also wanted to help promote the World Heritage cities of Malacca and Penang through his maiden journey on the trishaw covering more than 600km.

"I also want to get involved in social welfare activities and make a difference, apart from promoting Malacca and Penang," said the Malaccan who spent 10 years in the United Kingdom as an IT consultant.

His journey began on Saturday at A'Famosa Fort, where he was flagged off by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

Ali also gave a contribution of RM5,000 to each of the organisations.

Tan's journey will take him to Pengkalan Balak, Port Dickson, Sepang, Tanjong Sepat, Banting, Morib, Teluk Panglima Garang, Klang, Jeram, Kuala Sungai Selangor, Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam, Kampung Baru, Lumut, Segari, Pantai Remis, Terong, Changkat Jering, Simpang, Parit Buntar, Nibong Tebal, Simpang Empat, Butterworth and Komtar in Penang.

On the cost of his travels, Tan said that he would bear his own expenses and any proceeds or donations would solely go to the organisations.

Interested individuals can get in touch with the organisations directly or email him at contact@thetrishawman.com or call 012-6613813.

Details can also be obtained on Tan's blog: www.thetrishawman.com.

As of yesterday, the funds collected for the four organisations stands at about RM120,000.
 (News published in New Straits Times on 07 June 2009.)