US Envoy & Team Cycle 411Km To Promote Environment

By S. Chandravathani PUTRAJAYA, June 1 (Bernama) -- Joseph Y. Yun could have chosen an easier mode of transport to meet Malaysians to raise awareness on the environment. After all, he is the United States (US) Ambassador to Malaysia. However, Yun decided to take the unusual step of approaching people directly by cycling 411km from Putrajaya to Singapore on the initiatives and habits for a healthier urban environment. Dressed in bright blue, green and grey t-shirt and black cycling shorts, he was a picture of enthusiasm and cheer as he began his journey at 8.30am from the Pullman Hotel here. He is leading a group of 15 embassy staff and their family members in a six-day cyclethon beginning Sunday, 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 told Bernama 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 to 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. Putrajaya, a planned city 25km south of Kuala Lumpur, serves as Malaysia's new administrative centre. It is one of the three Federal Territories in Malaysia. -- BERNAMA