Cycling Club Spreads The Love For The Nation

By Nurul Halawati Azhari BATU PAHAT (Johor, Malaysia), Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Discipline, unity, and spirit! These three phrases best describe the 206 cyclists and 102 committee members who recently participated in phase 4 of the Kayuhan Cinta Negara 2011 (KCN) expedition in southern state of Johor. In fact, the presence of The Associated Cyclosportif Trekkers (ACT) in Pontian and Batu Pahat was warmly-received by the local residents. Members of the media who followed the 3-day-2-night expedition also shared the warm reception given to the cycling club. During the 75-kilometre cycle, ACT managed to change the common perception held towards cycling – not just by that of the media, but from everyone else involved, as well. Befitting the name Kayuhan Cinta Negara (Love the Country Cycle), every programme planned as part of the expedition is designed with the aim of creating unity, love and appreciation for the uniqueness of every location they stop at. According to the ACT Club Advisor, Ahmad Ruzizan Maphilindo Mohd Isa, the Event, jointly organised by the Youth and Sports Ministry, Royal Malaysia Police and government and non-governmental bodies, was aimed at injecting the spirit of unity and love for the nation, while promoting a healthy lifestyle through cycling. "Phase 4 of the KCN programme is the last of the expedition and ACT plans for it to be the biggest expedition by the club. "Like the other KCN expeditions, this one includes the participation of members from both Malaysia and Singapore," said Ruzizan. The first phase started at the Eastern Zone from Felda Jengka on 25 last January and ended in Kuala Lipis, a cycling distance of 300km. The second phase was held in the Northern Zone in April, with a distance of 107.5km. That phase began in Pendang and ended in Jeniang, Kedah. The third phase, in July, was held in the Middle Zone, some 112km from Ipoh to Parit and ended in Pantai Remis. LOVING THE NATION Ruzizan said KCN was different than other cycling expeditions because every member was aware of the role they played as part of a human capital, with love for themselves and their country. "ACT’s goal through these cycling programmes, which is to create athletes who are disciplined and united, has been realised. They don’t show off or try to compromise the team spirit," said Ruzizan. ACT now, through KCN, has taken a step further in delivering their positive mission to the public. JOINING THE COMMUNITY The first day of the expedition began in Kampung Seri Bunian, Pontian, when the cooking committee participated in a mass cookout with the villagers. A few of the organisers were more excited than others, as it was the first time they witnessed the preparation of "briyani gam" and other dishes in a mass cookout. At night, after performing their prayers in congregations and listening to a short sermon by the local imam, participants and villagers went to watch a cultural performance. The goal of joining the community and getting to know the country better is indirectly achieved through the cultural performances, such as "marhaban", gambus (lute), silat, angklung (a musical instrument made from bamboo) and kuda kepang (a traditional horse dance). The following day, after Kukup State Assemblyman Datuk Md Othman Yusof officiated at the cycle around the village, the journey continued to the next destination of Kampung Parit Kahar, Ayer Baloi. The team was once again warmly received by the residents, as well as district officer Muji Salimon. Although it was only a transit location for the cyclists to have their lunch and perform prayers, the local residents seemed very excited, as it was the first time "cycling guests" had stopped by their village. Some were even disappointed that ACT did not choose to sleep over. "NASI AMBENG" The group then proceeded to Kampung Parit Betak, Batu Pahat. This time, the convoy increased in numbers with the participation of 40 members of Kelab Basikal Klasik Batu Pahat, who joined up three kilometres before they arrived at Masjid Parit Betak. They spent the night at this location, taking home with them the memory of eating "nasi ambeng" in a tray. They were also privileged to be entertained with a cultural performance by the village’s 4B Youths. Besides staying with "foster families" in the villages and getting to know new cultures and lifestyles, participants also stopped at several locations along the expedition. This included a visit to a quail farm and a Small and Medium Industry project for breeding mushrooms. SOWING 500 MANGROVE SEEDLINGS The following day, the cyclists took off from Sekolah Kebangsaan Parit Betak. This time, the convoy was joined by 50 cyclists from Johor’s cycling clubs, as well as students from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The cyclists then continued for 21km towards Pantai Punggur, Rengit, for the Beach Erosion Awareness Programme. The expedition ended with the planting of 500 mangrove seedlings. After the event, UTHM representative Dr Tan Lai Wai briefed participants about beach erosion. This was followed by the closing ceremony. Present at the KCN4 closing ceremony were Rengit State Assemblyman Ayub Jamil and UTHM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and International) Professor Ir. Abdul Aziz Abdul Samad. FORMING FRIENDSHIPS In the short time they were together, participants and local residents were able to form friendships, share experiences and exchange knowledge. Last October, ACT and the Royal Malaysia Police also jointly organised the Kayuhan 1000 Belia programme, in conjunction with its Open Day. Besides actively cycling on the state level, ACT also organises the Kayuhan Cinta Desa series. ACT welcomes any parties that wish to collaborate with them on any activities that promote the love for the nation. They can be reached by visiting their official website at www.act.org.my. -- BERNAMA Malaysia