10,000-Strong Crowd at Ipoh Car-Free Day

Approximately 10,000 people of all races and age groups thronged Ipoh City’s monthly car-free day event along Jalan Raja Dihilir on Sunday. The programme, its 46th edition, kicked off at 7am.

Ipoh City Mayor Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi bin Abdul Rahim poses with participants of Ipoh Car-Free Day

Ipoh Car-Free Day was presented with the MyPlace Awards 2019 Platinum Award in the Street Category (Utilisation During Event) by the Malaysian Institute of Planners. Ipoh City Mayor Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi bin Abdul Rahim received the accolade on 15th November, 2019 at GlamHall Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Ipoh City Mayor Dato' Ahmad Suaidi bin Abdul Rahim (L) & Ipoh City Council Secretary Encik Mohd Zakuan bin Haji Zakaria — Ipoh City Mayor Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi bin Abdul Rahim (L) & Ipoh City Council Secretary Encik Mohd Zakuan bin Haji Zakaria

Among the criteria for Ipoh Car-Free Day to be selected for the Platinum Award by the Malaysian Institute of Planners were as follows: –

i. The Ipoh Car-Free Day is organised based on the theme of the month’s celebration or awareness campaign;

ii. The Ipoh Car-Free Day is organised on a busy street in the city of Ipoh to provide the opportunity for people from all walks of life to enjoy a few hours along the street by creating a public space with many activities;

iii. The Ipoh Car-Free Day programme has been successful in promoting green and low-carbon environments, promoting healthy and vibrant living practices, understanding Malaysian arts and culture, learning the basics of safety and self-defence, nurturing caring communities through the inclusion of persons with different abilities and senior citizens;

iv. Ipoh Car-Free Day serves as a catalyst for fostering friendships and social interactions towards a harmonious and understanding community, as well as creating opportunities for smart partnerships between the private and public sectors.

The main theme for Ipoh Car-Free Day in November was Green & Community, Together is Better in conjunction with World City Planning Day on November 10, 2019.

Other themes included:
➢ Maulidul Rasul (9th November)
➢ World Pneumonia Day (12th November)
➢ World Diabetes Day (14th November)
➢ World Toilet Day (19th November)
➢ Universal Children’s Day (20th November)
➢ World Television Day (21st November)
➢ World Philosophy Day Celebration (third Thursday of November)

This Ipoh Car-Free Day programme attracted many participants in the activities that were lined up. The highlight was Holiday Extravaganza 2019 organised by the Perak Society of Performing Arts (PSPA), which was graced by DYMM Sultanah of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim. Her Highness took part in the “One Million Stars to End Violence” parade.

DYMM Sultanah of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim (holding star) joins the One Million Stars to End Violence Parade

The meaningful occasion was also attended by the respective wives of the Perak Menteri Besar, Perak State Secretary, Ipoh Mayor, Council Secretary, Council Members and heads of department.

In addition, a total of 1,480 participants were flagged off by the Ipoh City Mayor in the Ipoh Colour Run, to the delight of all attendees.

Besides the aforementioned activities, among the agencies involved in making this Ipoh Car-Free Day a success were PUSPANITA, Perak State Library Corporation, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Tun Razak Library, KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital, Daybreak Society, Ipoh City Watch and more.

Ashman Shah Hockey Academy (AHF) hockey skills test programme

Ashman Shah Hockey Academy (AHF) also organised a skills test programme which was also attended by YBhg. Dato’ Abdul Rahim Md Ariff, President of the Perak Hockey Association (PHA).