To celebrate the 51st Malaysia Day, the state organised a Kayuhan Merdeka programme to celebrate as well as to promote unity amongst Malaysians. The cycling programme held on the eve of Malaysia Day, covered a distance of 15km, starting and ending at Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh (Ipoh City Square).
The cycling feat, led by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, saw over a thousand cyclists, both locals and foreign, partaking in the event. The programme was designed to remind Perakeans of the importance of unity and the meaning of Malaysia Day.
Raja Di Hilir Perak, Raja Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah, was present at the flagging-off ceremony to lend his support.
Rosdalilah Zahari, 28, from Ipoh, had this to say, “I love this kind of celebration because it makes you feel wanted and also united as Malaysians.” Mohd Shamsul Mohd Zam, 26, from Selangor, added that the Malaysia Day should be remembered and celebrated by all. “The 1Malaysia spirit is felt during the celebration. This effort of maintaining peace and harmony amongst the races would bring us together regardless of the occasion,” he added.
After the cycling event ended, a number of performances by local artistes were staged to entertain the public.
The celebration ended on a high note with the lighting of fireworks to mark the arrival of Malaysia Day. It culminated with the handing over of the Jalur Gemilang by the Menteri Besar to the Mayor, a symbolic reminder to Ipoh City Council to continue in its efforts to serve the rakyat.
RM
