Ipoh residents gather for Low Carbon Day & Geopark 5Run

More than 3000 residents of Ipoh came together to celebrate the Ipoh Low Carbon Day (ILCD), themed #FitMalaysia, coinciding with the National Sports Day. This annual event aims to encourage sports as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle for the general public.

The ILCD festivities began with the flag-off of the Geopark 5Run, a 5km run organised by the Perak State Park Corporation (Geopark) in honour of the 5th anniversary of the Perak State Geopark’s establishment.

The run commenced at Dataran Ipoh, traversing various parts of the city before culminating back at Dataran Ipoh, highlighting the city’s status as a Geopark location.

Platform to promote International Geopark Run

The ILCD took on an auspicious air with the presence of His Royal Highness Raja Muda Perak Darul Ridzuan Raja Jaafar and His Royal Highness Raja Di-Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain, who officiated the International Geopark Run (IGR) Series 0.1, 2024 in the Kinta Valley.

The International Geopark Run Series is set to become an annual event, spanning various geopark locations nationwide. In 2024, it kicks off in the Kinta Valley, Ipoh, followed by Lenggong, Perak, Gunung Jerai, Kedah, and concluding on Pulau Langkawi, Kedah.

The event attracted distinguished guests, including the Chief Minister of Perak, the Speaker of the Perak State Assembly, and the Secretary of the Perak State Government.

The Geopark 5Run held at Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh serves as a platform to promote the IGR for the upcoming year and has been included in the calendar for Visit Perak Year 2024 (VPY 2024), commencing in March 2024.

Low Carbon Day promotes social activities

The ILCD programme aligns with the goal of sharing practical knowledge and examples with the community of Ipoh, particularly in the realm of social activities. Various exhibition booths provide insights into recycling used cooking oil, weaving and sewing, crafting souvenirs from discarded items, identifying medicines, and showcasing handicrafts from participating associations and NGOs.

In line with the mission to reduce carbon emissions by 2030, the Ipoh City Council has initiated a ‘Prove Of Concept’ by becoming the first local authority in Perak to employ electric motorcycles. The council is utilising two electric motorcycles provided by Blueshark (M) for a month-long test, managed by the Council’s Enforcement and Safety Department.

This green initiative not only helps conserve operational and maintenance costs but also contributes to reducing air pollution from petrol-based motorcycles. This initiative aligns with the Ipoh City Council’s Strategic Plan for a ‘Low Carbon,’ ‘Walkable City 2023,’ and a ‘Smart City.’

The programme reached its conclusion with the departure of His Royal Highness Raja Muda and His Royal Highness Raja Di-Hilir, followed by the prize presentation and a lucky draw for the Geopark 5Run participants, presided over by the Mayor.

The Ipoh Low Carbon Day event, themed #FitMalaysia, saw an impressive turnout of more than 3000 residents, promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle among the public.. This initiative resonates with the aspiration to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 and showcases the Ipoh City Council’s pioneering move to embrace electric vehicles.