200 take part in Fun Ride for Merdeka
KENINGAU: The Fun Ride For Merdeka program held in conjunction with Independence Month received very good response from cycling enthusiasts in the district on Sunday.
The program, participated by about 200 cyclists in the district, was held at the town field here and was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Pairin described the program organized by the Keningau Chinese Chamber of Commerce (KCCC) as an activity that enhances health.
“I would request that the Visit Keningau Year 2018 coordinating committee makes this cycling activity a part of the program that will attract tourists to participate.
“I believe this program will contribute to increased cycling activities and cycling enthusiasts can also participate in such activities internationally,” he said.
Pairin, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, described the potential of this district as very bright, especially in the development of the tourism industry.
According to him, though the program is held in conjunction with the Independence Month celebration, it also created awareness among the younger generation on the real meaning of independence and instilling the patriotic spirit in the youth to love the country.
In this regard, Pairin wants the youths here to take on the role of organizing sports activities in conjunction with the Visit Keningau Year 2018.
Pairin also acknowledges KCCC’s initiative and commitment in organizing this activity and hopes that this cycling activity will be an annual event while at the same time, thanked all the parties who contributed towards this program.
Earlier in his speech, the event organizing chairman, Raymond Koh, said the main purpose of the activity was to improve the health of local residents by cycling through areas full of living natural and fresh air, besides reducing air pollution.
As part of the program, there were several handing over of charity donations, namely three motorcycles donated to the Keningau Police Headquarters and another for the Keningau District Office. Three of the motorcycles were from the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) and the other one was donated by businessman Datuk Yap Yit Teck.
Seven wheelchairs were donated to the 1Malaysia Health Clinic at UTC Keningau while another four were given to four individuals. They were donated by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth chief Datuk Jake Jikulin Nointin, Sang Fah Motor, Hiap Lee Shopping Center and Rahmat & Cafe Restaurant.
In addition, 100 lucky draw prizes in the form of bicycles, hampers and bicycle apparatus were donated by Soon Soon Bicycle Shop and Hiap Lee Shopping Centre for lucky ticket holders participating in the program from Keningau, Ranau, Tenom and other districts.
Also present at the event were PBS Youth chief Datuk Jake Jikulin Nointin, district officer Haji Yusop Haji Osman, district police chief DSP Ahmad Jawila, Kapitan Peter Ma, Kapitan Liew Ket Lim and members of Chinese associations from the district.