KUALA LUMPUR – While vehicles older than two decades might seem unsuitable for lengthy travels, one young man from Kota Bharu, Kelantan found otherwise as he embarked on a 26-day solo adventure across Peninsular Malaysia back in October of last year.
Using a 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero he purchased for RM5,000 in 2020, Muhammad Harith Ghazali, 32, gradually modified the sport utility vehicle (SUV) during the pandemic into a "mobile home”, complete with a sleeping area, kitchen, storage space and even a shower.
Widely recognized as Abe Pajerolife by his TikTok audience, Muhammad Harith explained that he came up with the concept for his road journey during the Movement Control Order phase. His longing to discover places beyond his surroundings intensified at that time, yet limited funds led him to devise more inventive solutions.
"I’ve always loved travelling, so I needed a way to do it without spending a lot. At the same time, I wanted to break away from my daily routine and explore new things,” he told Bernama.
He mentioned that the car was modified over a span of four years, influenced by videos he watched online featuring foreign travelers converting their cars into motorhomes.
Muhammad Harith mentioned spending close to RM40,000 to prepare his Pajero completely for extended journeys. This amount covered costs such as repainting, fixing the engine, and modifying the interior so that his vehicle could serve effectively as a mobile living space.
"It wasn’t until then that I felt ready to explore all of Peninsular Malaysia. I began in Perlis and headed down to Johor, which became my final stop before heading back to Kelantan," he shared, noting that his vehicle had no significant problems along the trip.
Even though the vehicle comes equipped with a gas stove and essential facilities, the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak alumnus mentioned that he prefers eating at local restaurants to get a taste of the cuisine and immerse himself in the cultural vibe of every state.
“I enjoy tasting traditional dishes as they offer insight into the customs of each region. Each area boasts its distinct tastes," he said.
In addition to exploring new destinations, Muhammad Harith saw his journey across the peninsula as a chance for personal growth, utilising the solitude to gain deeper insight into his abilities and areas needing improvement.
The total expense for his trip was approximately RM4,000, which included costs for petrol, meals, everyday spending, and charges for camping sites.
Muhammad Harith, who runs his own business, shared further insights into his experiences, stating that one of the main difficulties of living the 'Abe Pajerolife' lifestyle is ensuring he reaches every location before 6 p.m., since he prefers not to drive after dark.
“Driving solo can quickly make you sleepy. Because I’d once gone through microsleep, I wasn’t willing to gamble with safety (on this journey). Therefore, I chose to start traveling after sunrise and planned to reach (my daily stop) before nightfall," he explained.
Muhammad Harith, an enthusiastic camper who often explores Malaysia’s east coast region, shared that throughout his travels, he encountered various difficulties including power shortages—forcing him to rest in sweltering conditions—and unsettling occurrences in isolated locations.
To anyone contemplating such adventures, he shares this counsel: "Begin by developing solid mental strength, as trips of this nature are far from simple—particularly when undertaken solo." – BERNAMA