Merdeka Fun Run 2017 attracts 700 in Bintulu
BINTULU: Over 700 runners including a number from Brunei turned up for the Merdeka Fun Run 2017 event on Saturday evening.
The event brought together people of all ages from all walks of life.
It was organised by Persatuan Anaq Vaie Bintulu ( PAVB) in conjunction with this year’s statelevel Merdeka Day celebration which is centred in Bintulu.
Participants were flagged- off at 8.15pm by Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office ( Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip at Piazza Naim Bintulu Paragon Street Mall.
PAVB president Pandi Suhaili said the run was a success and the response from the locals had been encouraging.
“This is in line with our aim to enable the locals to be united in participating in Merdeka Day programmes and in response to the government’s call to promote sports for all,” he said.
Following the positive response, he said the event would continue to be held in the future as part of their efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle.
According to him, the Federation of Registered Chinese Associations Bintulu has also expressed a desire to jointly organise the running event in the future.
“PAVB welcomes the proposal and there were also participants from Brunei who proposed the
This is in line with our aim to enable the locals to be united in participating in Merdeka Day programmes and in response to the government’s call to promote sports for all. Pandi Suhaili, PAVB president
future event be jointly organised with the government of Brunei.
“This will be discussed and we welcome such cooperation for the advancement of sports in this state and country,” he said when met after the flag- off ceremony.
Also present were Bintulu Resident Muhamad Yakup Kari, his deputy Hamdiah Bakir, Bintulu District officer Mataip Sayu and Naim Land Sdn Bhd representative Angelyn Kho.
Meanwhile, PAVB secretarygeneral Ismawi Ishak thanked the participants for the support.
He said the event was aimed at strengthening ties among the local communities.
Ismawi said another event held on Sunday was the Fun Ride which saw the participation of over 200 riders from Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Brunei.
The ride was held in collaboration with Bintulu District Office with technical support by Jepak Cycling Club, Naim Land Sdn Bhd, and Bintulu Youth and Sports Office.