By Siti Azila Alias
GEORGE TOWN, 16 Ogos (Bernama) -- Nearly 100 participants from various backgrounds and generations took to the streets of George Town today on classic bicycles for the Kayuhan Semarak Merdeka Serata-rata event, reviving a nostalgic atmosphere while spreading a message of patriotism and unity.
Adding a nostalgic touch to the event, some participants organised by Wharong Karat with Pak Lang G Basikal Klasik Sungai Dua, Butterworth, turned up in traditional, retro and classic attire, evoking the atmosphere of National Day celebrations of the past.
Wharong Karat owner Mohd Razman Mohammed Sidek, 43, said the event, now in its sixth year, not only brought together classic bicycle enthusiasts but also served as a platform to instil patriotism, particularly among the younger generation.
“We want the younger generation to see for themselves the old bicycles once used by the community and, at the same time, witness how Malays, Chinese and Indians can come together and take part in activities.
“Independence is precious, and only through unity can we truly enjoy and appreciate its blessings,” he told Bernama when met at the programme here today.
Mohd Razman said the programme had attracted growing participation since its inception, increasing from about 15 cyclists in its first year to nearly 100 participants from across Penang this year.
He said participants ranged from as young as 11 to as old as 81, showing how the spirit of independence and a shared interest in classic bicycles could bring different generations together.
Mohd Razman said the 24-kilometre ride began at Wharong Karat in Air Itam, with participants cycling past several iconic locations, including Komtar and Padang Kota, before heading back to the starting point.
“As we celebrate 69 years of independence, we hope Malaysians will continue to stay united. For the younger generation, we want them to get involved in healthy activities and stay away from things that can harm them, including drugs,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, 65, better known as Pak Lang G, said the collaboration with Wharong Karat had continued for several years, with the event helping to liven up the National Day celebrations.
He said Independence Day celebrations used to be more vibrant, with villages, buildings and business premises proudly displaying the Jalur Gemilang, but the atmosphere was not as lively as before.
“So, we are trying to revive that spirit through this event. Even the young people are excited because they hardly see bicycles like these anymore,” he said.
One of the participants, Brian George, 43, from Air Itam, said the programme gave the younger generation a chance to discover the classic bicycles once commonly used by the community, while also bringing people of different races together in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
“We may have different opinions, and that is normal, but during the month of independence, we all come together. I hope the harmony we enjoy as Malaysians will continue,” he said.
Lim Hock Wei, 39, from Farlim, said he joined the programme partly because of his long-standing friendship with Mohd Razman, whom he has known since childhood.
He said the opportunity to ride together and get to know one another made the Independence Day celebration more meaningful, as patriotism was not just about flying the Jalur Gemilang, but also about friendship, mutual respect and being together as a community.
--BERNAMA