SUNGAI BESAR: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah graced the Larian Kita programme held at SMK Bagan Terap on Sunday (December 15).
The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, also attended the event.
The Selangor Ruler and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin arrived at 7.30am and were welcomed by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz.
Their Royal Highnesses flagged off the participants at 7.35am in the 3km and 5km categories.
The Selangor Sultan and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin completed the 3km walk at about 8.38am.
After the event, Tengku Zafrul thanked their Royal Highnesses for graciously attending and participating.
"The Sultan of Selangor and Tuanku Permaisuri completed the 3km run while the Raja Muda of Selangor completed the 5km run," said Tengku Zafrul.
He added that the objective of Larian Kita is to involve local residents as well as those from outside the district, to promote a healthy lifestyle.
“At the same time, it is also to raise awareness about this beautiful area as a tourism destination, as well as certain agricultural and entrepreneurial sectors,” said Tengku Zafrul.
"We also aim to involve the community and help those who are truly in need," he added, saying that funds raised during the programme will be given back to local residents and support non-governmental organisations in the area.
The Selangor Sultan also hoped the programme would not be a 'one-off' event and would take place in other districts in the state, said Tengku Zafrul.
The minister said the next one would be held in Klang.
"We will ensure the involvement of local residents in the area so that there are activities to engage with the community and promote a healthy lifestyle and culture," added Tengku Zafrul.
The vibrant event welcomed people of all ages to come together to promote a healthy lifestyle, unity, and meaningful exchanges.
Participants also had the chance to experience the run through a scenic route through the paddy fields, as well as participate in lively activities and entertainment along the way.
Some 2,500 participants wore kain pelikat during the run, in line with its theme of “Lari Bersama Kain Pelikat atau Kain Batik” (Run with kain pelikat or batik).
Also present at the event were state local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim and state rural development, unity, and consumers committee chairman Datuk Rizam Ismail, among others.
