Warm reception received by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak at a cycling event last night shows the scandal-plagued PM is still popular among youths, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said.

This was his observation at the Malaysia Day Ride 2015, an event organised by Umno's urban affairs and housing bureau flagged off by Najib.

"They (participants) gave spontaneous and positive response to the prime minister, particular when they pass in front of him.

"Some shook his hand, some took photographs.

"I believe they have succeeded in put putting aside political problems and the likes for the development of the country," he said at Dataran Merdeka last night where some 4,000 cyclists were flagged off.

Earlier, participants were seen taking photograph with Najib while some participants took turns expressing support for the country's leadership on loud hailers.

Najib in his brief speech said he was confident the younger generation can carry on the spirit of the country's pioneers who fought for independence.

"We can carry on the torch we have been passed on to us from one generation to another.

"We hope the fire of this struggle continues to burn in our heart," he said.

The event was also promoted on social media using the hashtag #TolakFitnahMediaSosial (Reject social media slander) and #SayaSayangMalaysia (I love Malaysia).

Participants rode 29km from Dataran Merdeka from 10.30pm to 2am today.

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