KUCHING: Some 800 cycling enthusiasts from various associations are expected to take part in the 21-km Merdeka Eve’s countdown ride this Aug 30, with the route starting at the Kuching Esplanade near Gambier Garden here.


Wahap (centre) announcing the ‘Program Kayuhan Ambang Merdeka 2014’ at his office, as (from left) Zainizam, Mohd Nizam, Sharvina and Kartina look on.

Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai said any cyclist could participate in the ‘Program Kayuhan Ambang Merdeka 2014’, which he would flag off at 10pm.

“This is part of our activities in celebrating Merdeka. The main highlight will be the contribution for ‘Tabung Gaza’ by the public as well as non-governmental organisations,” he told a press conference on the Merdeka Eve’s programme at his office here yesterday.

According to Abdul Wahap, the proceeds for Tabung Gaza would include the entry fee of RM25 per registered cyclist.

“The registered cyclists will each get a T- shirt, scarf and other gifts. The fees will be channelled to the fund, set up to the victims of the ongoing conflict in Gaza between the Palestinians and the Israelis,” he added.

Abdul Wahap said the countdown ride was also aimed at promoting healthy living to the public and getting young people to be pro-active in the community programmes.

“The event should serve in making young people to be more aware of the environment in line with making Kuching a ‘Beautiful ,Clean and Safe City’ in Asia by 2017.”

He further called on the city folk, especially those living within DBKU’s jurisdiction to join the countdown as there would be a host of activities such as a stage show, recital of poems, patriotic songs and musical performances.

Co-organising the event are the state’s branch of Aman Palestine, Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB) and Bank Kerjasama Rakyat (M) Berhad (Bank Rakyat).

Present at press conference yesterday were the Aman Palestine Sarawak manager Zainizam Zawawi, Tabung Sayang Gaza representative Mohd Nizam Maulana Zaini, Bank Rakyat Kota Padawan branch manager Sharvina Sarbini and DBKU principal deputy director Kartina Zamhari.

For more information, call Noraini Karim Abdullah of DBKU’s Community Relations Department at 082-446 688 ext 131/132.