Sarawak Premier joins over 2,000 city folk at Kuching Car Free Morning

Abang Johari strikes a pose after throwing a ball while playing 'coconut bowling' which is a type of folk sport at Kuching Car Free Morning at Padang Merdeka, Kuching on Jan 15, 2023.

By Nur Ashikin Louis

KUCHING, Jan 15: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg joined over 2,000 city folk in carrying out recreational activities during the Kuching Car Free Morning event at Plaza Merdeka here today.

He noted that the event was previously held once a month on the first Sunday, from 6.30am to 10am.

“I see that the event was well received, especially in terms of family bonding, and it is a day off for us to bring our family outside to exercise or whatever activity.

“Thus, I have asked (Kuching North City Commission) to add another (day), which means the event is held on the first and third Sunday.

“And today I can see that the public response was even better, so we will see whether we can identify a new venue to conduct the event in this town, maybe just here (Padang Merdeka) or next to Main Bazaar near Kuching Waterfront,” he told reporters during the event.

A boy riding his bicycle in front of Plaza Merdeka shopping mall during the Kuching Car Free Morning event on Jan 15, 2023.

The Kuching Car Free Morning event today started as early as 6.30am, which saw road closures manned by the police, People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), and DBKU enforcement officers nearby Padang Merdeka.

Town dwellers were seen jogging, walking and riding their bicycles circling the city’s big field.

The event also featured exhibition booths, mini-games and folk sports.

Also present were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Utilities Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Deputy Minister of Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) mayor Datu Junaidi Reduan, and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.

City folk riding their bicycles during the Kuching Car Free Morning event at Padang Merdeka in Kuching on Jan 15, 2023.
Two journalists geared up with their bicycles during the Kuching Car Free Morning at Padang Merdeka in Kuching on Jan 15, 2023.
Abang Johari and other guests photographed during a prayer recital at the Kuching Car Free Morning event at Padang Merdeka, Kuching, on Jan 15, 2023.

ā€” DayakDaily