Last December, I took part in my first fun run in over two years, and followed it up with another one in January, where I received my second Covid-19 booster jab.
The plan was to compete in another six 5km fun runs in 2023, culminating in a 10km run at the end of the year.
Well, things changed, as the home minister and I was bitten by the running bug. We competed in three other events, including a 7km fun run, and will do our first 10km run next Sunday – Mother’s Day – followed by a 13km run the following weekend.
We wanted to sign up for the biggest race of all – the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) – but unfortunately for the home minister, the slots were snapped up within 24 hours.
I was lucky to get into the media category, so this will be the first time I will be competing in a run without the home minister. She is not pleased!
This year is the 15th KLSCM and will take place over two days – Sept 30 and Oct 1. It has received the prestigious Road Race Label by World Athletics, making KLSCM the first running event in Malaysia to receive this recognition.
To reduce its carbon footprint and waste, KLSCM will encourage runners to use reusable water bottles rather than paper cups, compost the fruits like bananas, pears, and apples provided to runners, and raise awareness of the value of recycling and waste reduction.
Its new apparel partner, Pressio, guarantees that every item of clothing it produces is from the greenest materials and technologies, including recycled yarns, non-dying and biodegradable fabrics, and complete with traceability.
As is the norm for KLSCM, runners can choose a charity for its ‘Run For A Reason (RFAR)’ programme.
Mine is for Reef Check Malaysia (RCM), which has come on board for the first time.
RCM, part of the worldwide Reef Check network, is an NGO that monitors 323 coral reefs around the country and is actively involved in reef management and conservation.
In its 2022 annual report released last month, RCM said it removed 36,664kg of trash from beaches and underwater environments.
Of that number, 7,221kg were ‘ghost nets’ – fishing nets abandoned, lost, or discarded.
It also collected an additional 112,878kg of waste from island communities. It managed to recycle 43,330kg of that amount.
Coral reefs act as natural barriers that protect shorelines from storms, wave erosion, and flooding. They are also a source of fish, shellfish, and other seafood that support local fishing communities.
More importantly, they play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
With Malaysia having many lovely beaches, we should do our part to keep them clean.
Besides RCM, the other charities are Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers, Hospis Malaysia, Dignity For Children Foundation, and Kechara Soup Kitchen.
RFAR has improved the lives of thousands of Malaysians by raising over RM7 million over the last 15 years.
To help me raise funds for RCM, click here.
WHO DECLARES COVID-19 NO LONGER A HEALTH EMERGENCY
World Health Organisation director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has accepted the Emergency Committee’s decision to no longer classify Covid-19 as a “public health emergency of international concern”.
However, that does not mean it is over as a global health threat. As of last week, Covid-19 claimed a life every three minutes.
Dr Tedros said there were almost seven million fatalities, but the death toll could be as high as 20 million.
Health systems have been severely disrupted, with millions missing out on essential health services, including lifesaving vaccinations for children.
“This virus is here to stay. It is still killing, and it’s still changing. The risk remains of new variants emerging,” warned Dr Tedros.
“The worst thing any country could do now is to use this news to let down its guard, to dismantle the systems it has built, or to send the message to its people that Covid-19 is nothing to worry about.
“It is time for countries to transition from emergency mode, to managing Covid-19 alongside other infectious diseases.”
He added that on the committee’s advice, he has decided to use a provision in the International Health Regulations to establish a review committee to develop long-term, standing recommendations for countries on how to manage Covid-19 on an ongoing basis.
REMEMBERING P. RAMLEE
Tan Sri P. Ramlee is Malaysia’s greatest entertainer. The Monash Chamber Orchestra is paying tribute to the great man with a charity concert on May 14. The tickets are affordable, too.
THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS
From the great P. Ramlee to the legendary Star Wars films, you can listen to more great music as the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra presents a two-day ‘The Music of Star Wars’ on May 27 and May 28.
10-MINUTE BREAKFAST RECIPES
Want to eat healthier but do not have the time? Fret not. Check out these 10-minute breakfast recipes.
DENGAR INI CERITA
P. Ramlee closes out this week’s Diary with a cheeky song that appeared in the 1953 film, Hujan Panas.
Until next week, stay safe.
Main image by Dirigo Events.
