OVER 4,500 cyclists from 27 countries are set to take part in a highway night ride along the Lekas Highway.
The highway connects Kajang in Selangor to Seremban, Negri Sembilan.
The 11th edition of the RHB Lekas Highway Ride on Sept 12 will see cyclists taking on routes of 105km, 78km, 17km and 12km, starting from the Kajang Selatan toll plaza of the highway.
RHB Banking Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad said the event has developed a strong following among local and international cyclists over the years.
He said RHB supported the ride as it promoted an active lifestyle while bringing families and communities together.
“This is an event that has continuously gained momentum among cyclists domestically and internationally,” he told StarMetro before the Lekas familiarisation ride at Denai Alam, Selangor.
RHB has been the title sponsor of the event since 2016, which halted for two years during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mohd Rashid said the ride also provided opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Besides promoting a healthy lifestyle, it is about empowering communities too as small entrepreneurs are also there selling their products,” he said.
One of the event’s main attractions was the opportunity to cycle along a fully closed highway at night, he pointed out.
He said the ride has established its own identity after more than a decade and continued to draw returning participants each year.
“It has a brand and trademark of its own. People get excited and look forward to this ride every year,” he added.
The 17km route is open to adults and teenagers aged 13 to 16, while the 12km category caters to children between 10 and 12 years old.
Mohd Rashid said involving children and other family members has helped make the event more inclusive.
“We create an environment where everybody can participate, including children and family members to promote family bonding,” he added.
RHB cardholders were also given exclusive early-bird priority registration on April 20.
The first 50 cardholders were offered up to 50% cashback, capped at RM100 per transaction, while the next 500 cardholders were offered up to 10% cashback, capped at RM20 per transaction.
Mohd Rashid said such benefits were part of efforts to involve RHB customers in the event.
“We also give our customers early registration and provided discounts for those who participate using RHB card,” he said.
Safety remained a priority for organisers, with RHB working closely with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and highway operator IJM among other partners involved in the event.
Mohd Rashid said the event had also gradually turned cycling into a personal interest for him after watching RHB employees participate every year.
“I always look forward to this ride. I don’t ride long distances, but I think cycling is good for my health,” he shared.
He said he would take part in the 17km ride this year and would also be overseeing the event with his team.
“It doesn’t matter whether I finish first or last. I just want to enjoy the ride and complete it.”
