PUTRAJAYA: Here's a 'green drive' that involves the use of bicycles - Joseph Yun, the US ambassador to Malaysia, is cycling 411km from Putrajaya to Singapore, to meet Malaysians and raise environmental awareness.
Dressed in a brightly-coloured T-shirt and black cycling shorts, he was a picture of enthusiasm as he began his journey at 8.30am from the Pullman Hotel here.
Yun is leading a group of 15 embassy staff and their family members in a six-day cyclethon beginning today, to mark World Environment Day which falls on June 5.
The trip ends in Singapore on June 5.
"The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has taken a number of steps in recent years to reduce energy consumption. Our embassy's 'Green Team' with our motto 'Go Green, Lah' is always looking for innovative ways to create a greener, more environmentally-friendly embassy.
"In line with our own initiatives, we want to set an example how people can be encouraged to increase their awareness to meet goals such as reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions," he said before leaving the hotel with his team Sunday morning.
In addition, Yun said the bicycle was chosen as their mode of transport to promote environmental awareness and serve as a unique experience for the embassy staff.
The ambassador and his team were also seen stretching themselves before cycling, was applauded and cheered by US Embassy staff, family and friends as they began their journey, each buzzing with excitement.
According to a statement from the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Yun and the group would use their own bicycles and make six stopovers during the journey.
They will be accompanied by four traffic policemen.
The group will return to Kuala Lumpur either by car and flight.
World Environment Day is the United Nations principal initiative for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. It is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries. - Bernama
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