Flying colours: Participants of the Larian Kita programme posing for a group photo. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
SUNGAI BESAR: Thousands of people, many of them wearing kain pelikat or sarong, had a fun time taking part in the Larian Kita programme held at SMK Bagan Terap here.
The event was graced by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, and the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah.
The Selangor Ruler and Tengku Norashikin, who arrived at 7.30am yesterday, were welcomed by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, who also donned a sarong.
Dressed in kain pelikat and a straw hat to match the event’s village-themed atmosphere, Sultan Sharafuddin flagged off the participants for the 3km and 5km categories.
The Sultan and Tengku Norashikin completed the 3km walk at about 8.30am while enjoying the scenic padi fields and mingling with the people. The Raja Muda of Selangor completed the 5km run.
There were also exhibitions and activities held in conjunction with the run, with the Sultan joining in the activities.
Tengku Zafrul thanked Their Royal Highnesses for graciously attending and participating in the event.
He added that the objective of Larian Kita was to get local residents involved in healthy activities.
“The event’s purpose is also to raise awareness of this beautiful area as a tourism destination and to promote local agricultural and entrepreneurial sectors.
“We also aim to involve the community and help those in need of assistance,” said Tengku Zafrul.
He said the funds raised during the programme will be given back to the local residents and to support non-governmental organisations in the district.
Tengku Zafrul said the Sultan hoped more such events would be held in the future in other districts in the state.
The minister said the next event will be held in Klang.
“We will ensure the involvement of the locals so that the community will get involved in activities promoting a healthy lifestyle,” Tengku Zafrul added.
Participants of all ages, including children, took part in the event, wearing vibrant and colourful clothing.
About 2,500 of them were seen wearing kain pelikat or sarong during the run, fitting in with the theme of the run, namely “Lari Bersama Kain Pelikat atau Kain Batik” (Run in kain pelikat or batik).
