Live Now. Health Has No Replacement.

Live Now. Health Has No Replacement.

Recently, I read a reflection shared by a fellow engineer about the health challenges he faced in 2025.
He worked tirelessly to protect plant safety—yet unknowingly neglected his own health.
Until one day, his body forced him to stop.

Health has no spare parts.
No backup system.

His story resonated deeply with me—because I have walked the same path.

In 2021, shortly after the COVID-19 period, I was diagnosed with a slip disc.
Long hours sitting in online meetings took their toll. I spent three days alone at Hospital Lahad Datu, unable to move, trapped in severe pain. Turning left or right was impossible. Walking was out of the question.

During treatment, I underwent lumbar traction with a 20kg load.
Only on the third day did the pain slowly subside—just enough for me to stand and walk to the bathroom.

That moment changed my life.

From then on, my daily routine shifted completely.
Work, then lie down.
Rest, then lie down again.

Fear controlled my movement.
I avoided activity, worried it would worsen the slip disc.
Throughout 2022 to early 2023, my weight increased, energy dropped, and my body weakened.

I realized something was wrong.

I needed a way out.

So I found a new interest.

Through Facebook, I joined motorcycle groups—especially touring communities. The idea of long-distance riding fascinated me. I dreamed of owning a QJ800, but budget reality led me to a second-hand Benelli TRK251 instead.

That decision changed everything.

I bought the bike from a teacher in Kudat, took a bus to Kota Kinabalu, and rode back to Lahad Datu—eight hours on the road.
My first long ride since university days.

Back then, I used to ride an EX5 from Pengkalan Chepa to USM Engineering Campus in Seri Iskandar, and later to Nibong Tebal—nearly 400km on challenging roads.

But riding a 180kg touring bike across Sabah was a completely new experience.
Painful? Yes.
Eye-opening? Absolutely.

That was the birth of Borneo Rider.

I began riding solo—weekend trips to Semporna and Tawau.
Joined Sabah motorcycle groups on WhatsApp and Facebook.
Attended Sabah Motor Day 2024, meeting riders who shared the same passion.

In 2023, I discovered another passion: camping.

I brought my family camping to places like SCCA, Taliwas, and Danum Valley.
Bought our first tent. Then equipment—piece by piece—until a Hilux was fully loaded with camping gear.

We started with wild camping, slowly evolving into glamping.
Using whatever we had. Learning as we went.

I joined Lahad Datu Camp Meet 1.0, co-organized with Sabah Triton Xpedition (STX).
Camped in Taliwas, then SCCA.

In 2024, I joined the 2nd STX Jamboree to Long Pasia—a journey that fulfilled my determination to explore Sabah.

At the end of 2023, from 23 to 31 December, I completed a 9-day 360° Sabah journey with my sons—driving around the entire state, camping at beautiful locations.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience I never imagined possible.

The STX Jamboree to Long Pasia was another unforgettable chapter.
Despite driving a Hilux, we were warmly welcomed by the STX community, especially their president and members.

After nearly 15 years of driving 4WD, I realized there were still skills I had never learned.
On a slippery trail to Long Pasia, I got stuck—and friends taught me the correct way to engage 4WD.

That lesson saved us from a dangerous situation.

Looking back—from 2023 through 2025—so many meaningful moments happened.
Life was lived. Days were filled. Memories were created.

When I reflect, I can only say: Alhamdulillah.
So many blessings I never expected.

If I had continued lying down, worrying about pain, doing nothing—none of this would have happened.

Did the pain disappear?
Yes—because life became too full to focus on it.

Is the slip disc still there?
Yes.
And it serves as a reminder:

Life is not long. Appreciate every moment.

Live fully.
Give your best every day.
There is no time for endless pain, sorrow, or regret.

So—where are we heading in 2026?

Kembara 2026 begins.
With more journeys, more stories, and more unforgettable memories. 

#LiveNow #HealthFirst #LifeReflection #EngineersLife #PersonalJourney #Resilience #FindYourWay
#MotorcycleLife #BorneoRider #CampingLife #4WDLife #FamilyAdventure #Kembara2026 #GratefulHeart #LifeWellLived