400 CYCLE TO RAISE FUNDS, BOOST UNITY
Events like this enhance patriotism, says minister
MORE than 400 participants from all walks of life took part in the Carbon Neutral Activity 4 — Sunsuria City Eco Charity Bicycle Ride at Kota Warisan here yesterday.
Held for the fourth time, the annual event was organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (KLSCCCI).
The cycling event is aimed at strengthening ties between KLSCCCI members, encourage healthy and eco-friendly activities, promote domestic tourism and promote national unity and racial harmony.
The event kicked off with an aerobic session with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, before the participants cycled through 10km and 30km routes.
Kurup said the event was a proactive measure to raise awareness of the importance of appreciating nature while practising a healthy lifestyle.
“I am glad to see the commitment and support of all parties for this event, which shows strong unity in our society.
“Differences and racial diversity are not a big problem for national unity, but it is a challenge that needs to be addressed.
“It is not easy to make unity a culture in Malaysia and it cannot be done instantly. Without strategy, commitment and involvement from all parties, unity will remain only a goal,” he said.
He said the charity ride event was also part of a pre-Merdeka programme to boost the spirit of patriotism.
According to the National Patriotism Index 2016 conducted by the National Civics Bureau, Kurup said, the level of patriotism among Malaysians almost reached “very good” with 4.47 points compared with 4.19 in 2015.
KLSCCCI president Datuk Ter Leong Yap said the event not only served as a networking platform for its members but was also a way to foster closer relationships in a multiracial society.
“Go Green awareness programmes and activities have been widely promoted across the world and the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ concept is now very much part of our daily lives.
“One of our key objectives is to promote unity. We are delighted to welcome such strong participation from various ethnic groups,” he said.
KLSCCCI raised RM30,000 through the event, which will be donated to five charities.
It also distributed flags to participants to kick-start the National Day celebrations.