“Safe City” Theme For 57th Ipoh Car-Free Day

This morning’s Ipoh Car-Free Day, its 57th edition, was themed “Safe City”. As part of the celebrations, there was a fun ride, flagged off by Ipoh City Mayor Y.Bhg. Dato’ Rumaizi bin Baharin@Md Daud alongside Ipoh City Councillors, Council Senior Director as well as Heads of Departments.

The cycling event attracted 300 enthusiastic participants. There was no entry fee. The organisers prepared 50 lucky draw prizes for the lucky cyclists, in the form of electrical goods and cycling gear.

The selection of “Safe City” theme for this edition was aimed at creating awareness amongst the people and exposing them to the importance of keeping themselves, their families, and the community safe. “Safe City” is defined as a city that is free from Physical, Social and Mental threats.

In 2009, the Government Transformation Programme (GTP)’s seven (7) National Key Results Areas (NKRA) placed the Safe City Programme in the National Key Result Areas to reduce crime led by the Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia and PLANMalaysia which acts as the secretariat of the Safe City Programme Malaysia.

The six steps for immediate implementation under the Safe City Programme are:

i. Dedicated walking paths along roads;
ii. Erection of bollards or fencing;
iii. Washing or clearing shrubbery;
iv. Lighting up of dark places;
v. Safety mirrors;
vi. Closed-circuit camera.

Ipoh City Council (MBI) has implemented the Safe City Programme since the Year 2009. Among the completed project locations are Ashby Road Flats, Greentown, City Centre, Manjoi and Buntong.

As a complement to the Safe City Programme during this 57th Ipoh Car-Free Day Programme, related agencies such as Royal Malaysia Police (Polis Diraja Malaysia), PLANMalysia, National Anti-Drugs Agency, and the Social Welfare Department prepared brochures, video screenings, and briefings about their respective agency’s duties in crime prevention efforts in the society.

Additionally, continuous cooperation from all these parties with local residents is very important in achieving the goals of the Safe City Programme.

It is hoped that Ipoh City Council’s commitment and earnestness in organising the aforementioned programme will make Ipoh a safe and low-carbon city.

Event: 57th Ipoh Car-Free Day
Venue: Dataran MBI, Ipoh
Date: 18th Dec, 2022
Time: 7am