OVER 700 CITY RESIDENTS JOIN MERDEKA FUN RIDE 2026

IPOH, 29 AUGUST 2026 – More than 700 Ipoh city residents participated in the Merdeka Fun Ride 2026 held at Persiaran Bandaraya, in front of the Ipoh City Council (MBI) Building last night. 

This annual programme, organised by the Ipoh City Council, was held in conjunction with the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day Celebrations as one of the platforms to ignite the spirit of patriotism and love for the country, while celebrating the harmony and diversity of the multiracial community through recreational cycling activities. 

The flag-off for the Merdeka Fun Ride 2026 Open Category was officiated by Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah, together with Deputy Perak Police Chief DCP Mohammad Azlin Sadari, MBI Chief Whip Clr. Dato' Mazlan Abd. Rahman and City Secretary A'zman Mohd Harun.

For the VIP Category, the flag-off was officiated by City Secretary A'zman Mohd Harun. The Mayor of Ipoh also joined the ride in this category alongside distinguished guests and VIP participants. 

The programme, held from 8.30pm.to 11.00pm, involved two cycling categories, i.e., VIP Category and Open Category, with participation from various segments of society. 

In addition to the cycling event, the evening was enlivened with singing and dance performances by the MBI Gema Warisan Budaya Group, as well as a special performance by guest artiste Iskandar Projector Band. 

Participants also had the chance to win various attractive prizes via a lucky draw offering a total prize worth RM5,000. 

This edition was further enlivened by the opening of a Pop-Up Market along Persiaran Bandaraya, showcasing various products, food and sales by local entrepreneurs, thus adding to the festive atmosphere and creating a more relaxed, community-friendly celebration. 

The programme also provided an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to introduce and promote their respective products, while encouraging community support for local businesses. 

The organising of Merdeka Fun Ride 2026 served as an excellent platform for city residents to gather, interact and strengthen social bonds while collectively expressing the spirit of patriotism and love for the country. 

The programme not only offered a healthy and enjoyable recreational activity, but also served as a platform to strengthen unity, harmony and a sense of togetherness among the multiracial community in Ipoh City. 

At the same time, the organising of programmes centred on healthy lifestyles and community participation such as this is in line with MBI’s efforts to develop an active, prosperous and community-friendly city, while igniting the spirit of the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day Celebrations among city residents.