One thousand people are expected to participate in the ‘Mesra Warisan’ cycling programme on the city’s first edition of a Car-Free Day in Kuching on Feb 23.

Besides promoting major tourist attractions in Sarawak in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2014, State Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the programme was also aimed at turning the city into a clean, beautiful and safe city in line with the Kuching North City Hall’s (DBKU) Enhancement Plan 2013-2017.

Organised by DBKU and the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Karim said the cycling activity would begin at Waterfront Square and through certain routes that would showcase local heritage sites and landmarks around the city.

Various other activities, including a brass band performance and a lucky draw, would also be held at the esplanade along Gambier Street in Kuching to enliven the programme, which would begin at 6.30am.

Karim said State Housing and Tourism Minister Abang Johari Openg was expected to flag off the participants.

Meanwhile, Kuching North Mayor Abang Wahab Abang Julai said the other objective of the car-free day programme was to reduce global warming.

“It’s only right to organise such a programme to show our love for Mother Earth and our commitment to reduce and slow the pace of global warming,” he added.

- Bernama