HASBULLAH'S SWIM FOR PALESTINIAN FUND

KANGAR (Malaysia), Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Hasbullah Mohamad wants to do his
bit for the Palestinian Fund.

On Friday, he will attempt a four-kilometre swim, using just one hand to
wade and the other to hold a pole flying the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysia's national
flag), Kedah flag and a placard for donations to the fund.

The distance of the swim is from Langkawi Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa
(Langkawi Holiday) in Pantai Tengah to the Civil Defence Department tower in
Pantai Chenang Friday.

The event which begins at 3.30pm, is organised by Langkawi Umno Youth.

When contacted by Bernama in Langkawi Thursday, the 39-year-old father of
three from Kampung Padang Putih, Temonyong, Langkawi, said he had not set a time
limit to reach Pantai Chenang.

"I have done a single-handed swim before, but this is the first time I am
swimming using one hand while the other carries a 5.3m flag pole.

"At the same time, I will be putting up with the wind and waves," said the
Langkawi Holiday employee.

In 2006, Hasbullah set a record in the Malaysia Book of Records for
swimming 6.29km from Pulau Tuba to Dataran Helang, Kuah, Langkawi, while
carrying the Jalur Gemilang on a 1.5m pole, in conjuction with the country's
49th year of independence.

He has also taken part in various swim and extreme sports events, including
the Ironman Langkawi in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004, and the Powerman Putrajaya
competition in 2003.

Hasbullah is grateful for the encouragment and support he received from
veteran swimmer Azizan Ali, who will be attempting to swim across the English
Channel in July.

Meanwhile, when contacted here, Azizan said he planned on giving Hasbullah
moral support Friday.

-- BERNAMA