The 2016 Batang Sadong Bridge Run poster complete with useful information.
KUCHING: Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) is collaborating with several government agencies to organise the 2016 Batang Sadong Bridge Run on Dec 11.
The organisers are now calling for participants to register for the historic run which is divided into the 5Km and 10Km events, both starting at SK Sungei Bulu in Kota Samarahan from 6am.
Entry forms are obtainable at Brooks Green Height Mall here and from the MPKS office and also at the Sadong Jaya sub-district office. Registration closes on Dec 2.
When contacted yesterday, MPKS chairman Dato Peter Minos called upon the public to come to the event as spectators and participants of the inaugural run. He pointed out that the newly opened Batang Sadong Bridge would benefit residents of Samarahan in general.
“Being the longest in Malaysia, the Batang Sadong bridge will be famous but most importantly it will contribute to spur and boost things up in Kota Samarahan because those from Simunjan,Sadong and other coastal parts are getting nearer,” he said.
“The bridge will help them to save both time and fuel money apart from it giving them conveniences for travelling. That is why MPKS is involved in the coming Batang Sadong Run 2016. It is organised by many agencies and groups. Those who are free, please come and see the run on this new and famous iconic project in Samarahan area.”
He said starting next year, MPKS would get more people to be involved in any community-based activity in Samarahan, following the UN-approved project called Local Agenda 21 that encourages local government and councils to get close to local communities and residents.
“The logic of this is that towns and cities through local councils must do their best in making life congenial and pleasant apart from making them being safe and sound for residents. If towns and cities are concrete jungles or are cold and harsh for living, they are said to be liveless and without soul, so stated the UN often-times,” he explained.
“So MPKS will help to set up more community associations and area neighbourhood watch groups (or KRTs) apart from working with the various village security and development committees (or JKKKs) and local NGOs. Anything that helps in creating goodwill and affinity among the residents in the housing estates and villages will be explored and improved or supported by MPKS,” he added.
Minos said as Kota Samarahan Municipal Council was relatively new (having just been upgraded from a District Council) it would need a lot of planning and improvement to befit its new status.
Minos said he would like to start with controlling bad traffic jams during peak hours. Then he would like to see a hospital, proper and modern waste-management system among the basic amenities put in place.
“MPKS will also upgrade its usual and traditional services to local residents. Now with only 50 odd staff and very limited fund it is extremely difficult for MPKS to give its best services. This will soon change for the better. We intend to make Kota Samarahan the best and most prestigious place to live and study in within Sarawak,” sad Minos.