By Zareef Muzammil
KLANG, Sept 10 — Over 2,000 visitors from all walks of life came together to mark the Shah Alam Car-Free Day programme, which was held in conjunction with World Heart Day earlier today.
Shah Alam Deputy Mayor Cheremi Tarman said the event at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam aims to raise public awareness about the importance of heart health and to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
“The event is held on the second Sunday of every month for free and features different themes. This time, it was organised in conjunction with World Heart Day, which falls on September 29, with various exciting activities provided for the public.
“The participation of the community in this programme is encouraging. We hope this will increase in the coming months, as we feel that public interest in health care is decreasing,” he said at the event.
The activities held included the KPJ Selangor Lub Dub Fun Run 2.0, the Shah Alam Car-Free Day Fun Ride, the Fun Walk, leisure cycling, aerobics, and a combo performance by MBSA.
Children also participated in other activities including archery, Parrot Brothers, wall climbing, the mobile library, and Kraf Perpustakaan Anggerik Vanilla.
Meanwhile, visitor Nur Aliah Jaafar, 33, said she was excited to participate in the Lub Dub Fun Run organised by MBSA for the first time, as part of the programme.
“I learned of the programme via an advertisement on the KPJ Healthcare website. Previously, I often participated in running events for Kuala Lumpur’s Car-Free Day.
“This event is very good for health and can improve stamina,” said the KPJ Damansara pharmacist.
Her fellow pharmacist Siti Nurafifah Mohd Azmi, 25, took the opportunity to participate in the same event in order to reduce work-related stress and meet colleagues.
“I am a fan of running activities because it helps reduce work stress, especially since I work shifts and have irregular hours.
“Every time such a program is organised on a Sunday by any agency, I will not miss the opportunity, unless I have to work on that day,” she said.
