A variety of side activities such as reading and colouring are also lined up as part of the initiative.
Johor Baru Car-Free Morning (JB CFM) is a programme that promotes a healthy lifestyle and gives people an opportunity to appreciate the city at a slower pace.
Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) secretary Miswan Yunus said the programme, on the second Saturday each month from 7am to 9am, usually attracted large crowds of people from all walks of life.
“The city council started the car-free programme in 2015, but had to put it on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he told StarMetro.
“The programme was revived in 2021 when the economy and other sectors were allowed to reopen.
“There was also a lot of public demand for it to return.
“This shows that people look forward to enjoying recreational activities such as cycling, walking and riding on electric scooters in a car-free environment.
A participant getting a free basic health screening during one of the previous Johor Baru Car-Free Morning programmes.
“Participants usually take this opportunity to enjoy the sights of the city without having to worry about running into motorised traffic.”
To give way to the programme, several roads in the city centre are closed from 6.45am to 9am with the help of police officers and MBJB enforcement staff.
Miswan said the city council had been partnering with the private and public sectors as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to roll out the monthly event.
Some partners run booths offering fun side activities and lucky draw prizes.
OCBC Bank (M) Bhd joined as the main sponsor starting this year.
It also sponsors 100 bicycles for the public to use for free during JB CFM.
Miswan says the car-free event was revived by popular demand.
“MBJB has created a platform for all these entities and NGOs to come in and provide free activities and services for the people,” said Miswan.
“We’ve had government agencies and private hospitals joining us to provide basic health checks, consultations and other services for free.
“In May, Kiwanis Club of Johor Baru collaborated with us for its charity run.
“When we have such collaborations, public participation can go up to 1,000 people,” he said.
Miswan said MBJB welcomed having more collaborations for future JB CFM events and that the public could look forward to a T-Rex themed fun run in October.
He also encouraged business operators in downtown Johor Baru to participate in the initiative to make the city livelier.
“Restaurants and cafes in the city centre could open earlier on JB CFM days so that the crowd can stop by and enjoy some good food before returning home,” said Miswan.
“Hotels operating in the area can also set up booths in front of their premises to promote their services.
“There is already an available crowd, they just have to seize the opportunity.”
He said there was a “car-free programme culture” in Kuala Lumpur where local businesses also participated to make the event livelier, and it was something MBJB hoped to emulate.
For updates, visit jb.carfreemorning.my or MBJB’s social media platforms.
