International Cultural Run #DUYONGKita To Be Part Of WTD, WTC Programmes

MELAKA, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- The International Cultural Run #DUYONGKita will be one of the featured programmes during the World Tourism Day (WTD) and World Tourism Conference (WTC) scheduled to be held in September next year.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof said compared to this year, the event would be held on a larger scale, involving international participants attending WTD and WTC, who will showcase their respective traditional attires.

He said the decision to organise the event next year was made following the success of this year’s International Cultural Run #DUYONGKita, which earned recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the category of “Largest Participation in a Costume Run” with 7,475 participants.

“In addition, the running event is considered to be the best platform especially for Melaka to introduce the cultural diversity and traditions of the multi-racial community in the state through traditional attire, cultural performances and local traditional cuisine.

“The next edition will take place in the heart of Melaka City on a grander scale, involving a greater number of local and international participants,” he told reporters at the closing ceremony of the International Cultural Run #DUYONGKita 2024 at Tun Fatimah Stadium, Bukit Serindit here today.

Also present at the event were Duyong assemblyman, State Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communications Committee deputy chairman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abd Halem and State Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman.

Ab Rauf said the cultural run could also become an excellent platform to unite the community, regardless of race or religion.

Meanwhile, Mohd Noor Helmy said the second edition of the running event has received support from the state government and various government agencies, including the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB).

He said various lucky draw prizes were offered, including a solar panel system installation worth RM11,800 as the grand prize, and other prizes such as motorcycles and a goat, totalling RM50,000 in value.

“Apart from locals, the run also attracted international participants from countries like Indonesia and Singapore, as well as members of the special needs community from ‘Bikeisable.’ The event provided an opportunity for parents of special needs children to involve their children in social activities and connect with the wider community.

“Parents of children with disabilities should not feel ashamed as the state government strongly supports the special needs community and will assist them in integrating with society,” he said.

-- BERNAMA