“Jom Bersukan Ekstrem Dengan Selamat” or “JomBEDS”, a programme organised by Persatuan Mendaki Perak (PsMP), was held on Sunday, February 12 at Victoria Bridge, Kuala Kangsar.
According to the President of PsMP, Mohammad Zakwan Kamarul Zaman, JomBEDS is the association’s inaugural programme since its inception early last year.
Zakwan said that enthusiasts of extreme sports, especially those who do not take any safety precautions, are prone to injuries and mishaps.
“We organise this programme with the objective of educating the public on the importance of safety in extreme sports,” said Zakwan.
Zakwan alluded to the widely publicised incident involving a group of students who climbed the “IPOH” sign at Gunung Lang without any safety measures and was the reason behind the programme.
“We want to teach the public about staying safe at all times, be it when partaking in extreme sports or while simply relaxing.
“The programme is well received and the response, overwhelming. This goes to show that there are many thrill seekers out there but they’re unable to satisfy their craving fully,” he added.
A total of 250 youths, mainly students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Seri Iskandar and Polytechnic Ungku Omar, Ipoh, took part in the programme. Many agreed that JomBEDS was an invaluable experience for them.
Nor Athirah Jamaluddin of Polytechnic Ungku Omar said, “The programme has helped to prepare us mentally and physically before we participate in any form of extreme sports.”
Qurratu Faqihah Mohd Shukri from UiTM commented that JomBEDS was a good experience for thrill seekers like her. “It should be held annually and frequently,” she added.
The event was officiated by state assemblyman for Chenderoh, Dato’ Zainun Mat Noor, who had a go on the flying fox.
Association secretary, Ain Nur Nadrah, said that participants paid RM30 as registration fee of which, RM1 would go to the Save Syria Fund.
Among those present to lend their support was Malaysian motorcycling ace and Moto3 World Championship racer, Khairul Idham Pawi.
Activities conducted were flying fox, rope swing, rappelling and tree climbing.
Luqman Hakim
