MELAKA, More than 2,300 participants from various walks of life, with a majority of them dressed in traditional attire or costumes of famous characters participated in the 3.2-kilometre Duyong Kita Culture Run, here today.
Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abd Halem said the programme, jointly organised with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), involved the youngest participant aged eight months old and the oldest at 80 years old.
'The run, which kicked off at 7.30 this morning, received an encouraging response, not only involving participants from the Duyong state constituency but also those from around the state, as well as tourists.
'There are four main checkpoints, which highlight four multi-racial cultures, aimed to foster the existing spirit of community unity and harmony, in line with the objective of Malaysia MADANI, under the Unity Government,' he told reporters here today.
Earlier, Mohd Noor Helmy, donning a Superman costume and a 'kain pelekat' sarong, also participated in the run, which was flagged off by the state Tourism, Art and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman. It was also attended by the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) mayor Datuk Shadan Othman.
Mohd Noor Helmy added that the run also aims to enliven the atmosphere ahead of the launch of Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM2024) on Dec 31, and he intends to continue the run as an annual event, to increase the number of activities with the community in the Duyong constituency.
He said that participants would have a chance to win various attractive lucky draw prizes including a goat, motorcycle, bicycle, electrical equipment and others, provided by the organisers, as well as sponsored by individuals and companies.
Meanwhile, Laila Kamil, 69, said that age was not a hindrance for her to participate in the run, which she described as very interesting, and she also actively participated in the Melaka Jogging Association's Cergas programme every week.
'Today I also brought along my three grandchildren to participate, as this programme inculcates healthy lifestyle practices as well as strengthening friendships,' she said.
Another participant, P Puspaalatha, 31, said that she found out about the event through social media, and felt excited to participate in the run, which was rarely held in the area where she lived before, besides bringing her mother and father along.
'A programme like this can strengthen the community, especially in the Duyong area, and I hope this event will continue by raising the themes of Malaysia's identity, which is rich in culture and heritage,' she said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency