Ahmad Fuzi (centre, blue shirt) getting ready to cycle across the bridges in the company of Penang Fellowship Ride participants.
SOME 2,500 participants, including Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, took part in the second Penang Fellowship Ride 2023.
The Sunday ride took cyclists across both iconic bridges in the state, beginning with the Penang Bridge and returning via Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge to the start and finish line at Queens Waterfront.
Ahmad Fuzi, who celebrated his 74th birthday that day, first flagged off cyclists before joining them in the 66km ride.
The cyclists took a break at the 33km mark near UOW Malaysia KDU’s Batu Kawan campus to refresh themselves before resuming their journey.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was among the dignitaries present, said he believed that some of the participants had also participated in the City Ride programme on Jan 2.
“The difference is that this time, the route is more relaxed compared to the more challenging hilly roads in the City Ride event.
“With the spirit of LovePenang, I believe that such activities are not just leisurely activities but are also an important unifying platform and medium for strengthening the harmony and unity of the multiracial community in this state,” Chow said in his speech, as reported by Buletin Mutiara.
Accompanying Ahmad Fuzi during the ride were state youth and sports committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, chief police officer Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, Penang Sports Council director Harry Chai Heng Hua, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and organising chairman Datuk Dr Lim Seh Guan, who is also G Club Penang Cyclists chairman.
Before the race began, Dr Lim advised riders not to stand on the ledge of the bridge to take photographs because strong morning gusts could cause them to lose their balance and fall off.
“This is a non-competitive event. We want everyone to enjoy the race.
“We organised the first Penang International Bridge to Bridge Ride in 2019 and we renamed it to Penang Fellowship Ride this year.
“If we are successful in holding this second ride, we plan to hold it again next year,” Dr Lim said.
He thanked Paramount Property and SLM Bicycle (Trek Malaysia) for sponsoring the event.
Paramount Property Northern chief executive officer Ooi Hun Peng said his company was both proud and privileged to be the title sponsor because the event brought people of all races, ages and beliefs together for healthy fun and fellowship.
“Paramount Property champions healthy activities that bring communities together. This is part of our corporate social responsibility to uplift the communities where we operate.
“I can’t think of a more exciting and energetic way to start 2023 – cycling across two bridges, one of which is the second longest in South-East Asia! Cycling is a good activity to challenge your mental strength and stamina,” he said.
Also present at the flag-off were state secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying who is also Tanjong MP, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Public Works Department director Ahmad Nadzri Abdul Majid, Malaysian Highway Authority northern region director Azleen Jaludin and Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Faisal Shahbudin.
