KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif has called for more organisations to collaborate and hold family-oriented fitness programmes in the city in support of healthier lifestyles among urban communities.
She said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) continued to provide accessible public spaces and opportunities for such activities, including through its ongoing KL Car Free Morning programme, which sees major roads around Dataran Merdeka open exclusively to pedestrians and recreational users every weekend.
“KL Car Free Morning is our way of giving the city back to the people. From midnight Friday until 5am Monday, families can come out, enjoy the city safely, exercise, and spend time together without traffic.
“We want to encourage more healthy and active lifestyles, especially in a city environment where many experience stress and mental health pressures,” she said at the launch of the Harian Metro Active Rings Run 2025 at Dataran DBKL,
The 5km fun run was organised by Harian Metro in collaboration with Huawei and supported by the Huawei Watch GT 6 Series.
It attracted about 1,500 participants including recreational runners, families, fitness enthusiasts, tourists and persons with disabilities (PwD).
This marks the second collaborative fun run by Harian Metro, Huawei and DBKL this year, following the Harian Metro Batik Run 2025 held in June.
A similar run was held last year as well.
Harian Metro group editor Husain Jahit said the response exceeded expectations, considering the short preparation period.
“This is our second run together with DBKL and Huawei after the one last year where we only had around 1,000 participants. This time, we managed to reach 1,500 participants in a short time.
“We did not expect to see foreigners, tourists and even people with disabilities joining us. I saw a few who came in wheelchairs and on crutches accompanied by their families.
“They looked very high-spirited. It was very encouraging for us. This motivates us to organise more community and family-oriented events for the public.
“It’s friendly for families and children, and suitable for everyone.”
Husain said Harian Metro is planning more similar programmes, especially as the publication prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary next year.
“We are already planning several activities that families and people of all ages can take part in. The overwhelming response today strengthens our commitment to keep doing this,” he added.
New Straits Times Press chief operating officer Luqman Adrine Ja’Afar, who also joined the run, said the event reflected the publication’s identity as a newspaper for all Malaysians.
“It was really nice to see participants from all walks of life today. — Malays, Chinese, Indians and others. This reflects Harian Metro’s concept and audience, which includes all races. The atmosphere felt very inclusive and united,” he said.
Also present at the run were Huawei Malaysia country director Patrick Ru, Media Prima Bhd group chief financial officer Rosli Sabarudin and Media Prima News and Current Affairs managing editor Jasbant Singh.
Participants were treated to activities including aerobics, interactive games, birthday surprises for those born in November, exhibition booths and a lucky draw offering prizes including Huawei smartwatches, earphones and a 43-inch LED television.
Each participant received a goodie bag featuring items from various sponsors and a copy of Harian Metro.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
