Minister launches Kuching Marathon website

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KUCHING: Distance running especially marathons can instill discipline among those who take it up and be a platform for developing a more civic conscious society says Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Discipline was much needed in our society as theft and destruction of public properties had cost the government dearly he noted.

“These crimes have caused the state government millions of ringgit in loses especially crimes which relates to metal thefts and vandalism,” said Abang Johari when announcing the Kuching Marathon 2014 and launching the Kuching Marathon Association official website at Plaza Merdeka here yesterday.

He cited the theft of LED light cables at the Satok area as an example, Abang Johari said that the government had to fork out RM2.3 million to replace the stolen cables to ensure that the area remained lighted for the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF).

The association’s president Wong Chen Yi who also spoke disclosed that the marathon would be held on Aug 17 and runners could fill the entry forms online via the new website.

“The 42 KM run is an international standard event,” said Wong adding that other categories includes the 5KM run, 10KM run and 21KM run.He added the date chosen would not coincide with other major events such as the Borneo International Marathon in May, KL Marathon in June, Penang Bridge International Marathon in Nov and the Singapore Marathon in Dec.

Also present at the launch was Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai, Plaza Merdeka managing director Datuk Steve Ng and India Street Pedestrian mall committee chairman Dato Wee Hong Seng.