The Ipoh Car Free Day, which usually unfolds in the morning, was held at night for the first time yesterday.
The initiative of the Ipoh City Council (MBI) in launching the Ipoh Car Free Nite was in line with the loosened standard operating procedure (SOP) during the country’s transition to the endemic phase.
Inspection by the Ipoh Echo at the event location along Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil found members of the public arriving as early as 8pm.
Mayor, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said the programme was carried out in conjunction with the 34th Ipoh City Day.
According to him, the Ipoh Car Free Nite was among the efforts to make Ipoh a low-carbon city.
“When being held at night, we can see the use of solar energy.
“The organisation of this programme can increase the happiness index among Ipohites by instilling awareness on environment, health, safety, history and heritage.
He said so to the media after launching the Ipoh Car Free Nite @ Car Free Day for the month of May on Saturday.
Rumaizi stated that this night programme can be held alternately with the Ipoh Car Free Day in the coming months.
“If possible, there will be Ipoh Car Free Day and Ipoh Car Free Nite held alternately so that the people learn how to take care of the environment during daytime and nighttime.
“At the moment, we hold this programme once a month, depending on the response. If it is positive, we will implement it every 2 weeks.
Earlier, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil was closed for four hours to make way for the programme from 7.30pm to 11pm.
There were various stalls and exhibitions in addition to other events at the Ipoh City Square (Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh) which included Family Picnic Night, performance by buskers and traditional dance.
Among the activities provided were bicycle rental, aerobics, awareness campaign on stroke, display of biodegradable products, dental checks and exhibition on Kinta Valley Geopark.
Rosli
