Latest news with #KLCar-FreeMorning
The Star
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Cycling for change
WHAT began as a childhood passion on the roads of Poland eventually led to the United Nations proclaiming World Bicycle Day. For Polish-American Professor Leszek Sibilski, the bicycle has always been more than a means of getting from one place to another. Once his sport, cycling turned into Sibilski's lifelong passion that now fuels a global campaign for mobility, sustainability and inclusion. 'All my experience in sports, academia and parenting led me to this work,' Sibilski told StarMetro during his visit to Kuala Lumpur. His visit was arranged by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kuala Lumpur, which brought Sibilski to Malaysia in conjunction with World Bicycle Day on June 3. The embassy also collaborated with Kuala Lumpur City Hall during its Sunday Car-Free Morning initiative where Sibilski joined the mayor and the public for a ride through the city centre. A former Polish national cyclist, Sibilski later built a career as a sociologist and educator, focusing on social movements and institutions. Car-Free Morning cyclists on a ride through the city centre. 'I just retired from teaching positions, so I'm enjoying my freedom, but I'm keeping myself busy.' That includes championing World Bicycle Day, which was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2018 following a resolution he helped spearhead. Observed annually, the day is now marked by all 193 UN member states, symbolising global recognition of the bicycle as a tool for development, inclusion and sustainability. Sibilski described his ride with Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, as 'an amazing signal' to the public. This year marks his second visit to Malaysia, after 20 years. While he acknowledged the city's progress, he said Kuala Lumpur still had a long way to go. 'You have about 61km of cycling lanes – that's not enough,' he said. 'The urban design is still very car-oriented and spread out. It's the same issue we face in America,' he added. As Malaysia builds its public transport systems, bicycles must be seen as part of the bigger picture, said Sibilski. For that to happen, there needs to be consistent political will. 'Behind every bicycle is a voter. Don't aim too high, too fast – start from zero. 'Elect politicians who will promote cycling culture and healthy behaviour,' he said. The mobility challenged are not left out of the Car-Free Morning event. Sibilski, who met Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at the KL Car-Free Morning, said they had a 'very productive' discussion. 'I think there will be a follow-up meeting, and I will introduce her to some of my newest inventions and legislations, which I think will be very useful for your society,' he said. He expressed hope that the mayor would issue a proclamation for Kuala Lumpur to adopt the next World Bicycle Day. One of those initiatives is Bicycles for All, a resolution promoting the integration and promotion of the bicycle as a tool for sport and physical education in cities, schools and communities. For Sibilski, cycling is not just about health or the environment but also a matter of social inclusion. He pointed to the bicycle's role in empowering women, citing its significance in the North American emancipation movement, and stressed its value for marginalised and low-income communities. During his visit, Sibilski said he aimed to engage students, teachers and local leaders in partnerships. 'When you're advocating for something that's your passion, you don't spare anybody.' But his strategy remains one of persuasion, not confrontation. 'Advocacy must be gentle, responsible and creative,' he said. 'When you fight, you lose energy and create enemies. 'We don't need that. We need alliances that support bicycle users,' he added. Sibilski's advice for Malaysia: 'Don't try to replicate other countries, but find your own way. You cannot emulate everything from the Netherlands. 'Apply domestic standards. Pay attention to your culture and tradition.'
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Bank's annual walk in KL raises RM50,500 for the care of 100 kids with autism
The bank staff and their families participating in the annual Walk for Autism during the KL Car-Free Morning. A TOTAL RM50,500 was raised for the care of 100 children with autism, via the annual Walk for Autism during the KL Car-Free Morning. OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd (OCBC Al-Amin), in its 10th year of collaborating with Ideas Autism Centre (IAC), held the event to promote awareness of autism. Bank staff walked, ran or cycled for three kilometres to raise funds. They were joined by family and friends. The funds raised will be used to provide high-quality care and education for children with autism, to equip them to lead fulfilling lives. The bank had earlier hosted an Autism Day x Prihatin Fest to raise awareness of autism among its staff. IAC founding president and chairman Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin described the bank's support as a blessing. 'We continue to be blessed by this kindness and support from OCBC Al-Amin. 'It takes effort and dedication to not just raise the funds, but also foster camaraderie at these annual walks,' he said. OCBC Al-Amin chief executive officer Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik said the bank was pleased to have been working alongside IAC for a decade now. 'Our aspiration to be Asia's leading financial services partner for a sustainable future extends beyond our customers. 'We want to be the bank that enables communities around us to realise their aspirations as well. 'OCBC Al-Amin serves the communities in which it operates nationwide, through the #OCBCCares platform and its three pillars of education, environment and healthcare,' he explained. The bank's partnership with IAC, he said, fell under the education pillar of the 'Aided to Aspire' programme. 'As part of the initiative, we walked together with the families of the autistic children. 'My staff and I were humbled by each step we took, bearing in mind how every ringgit raised would contribute to improving lives,' said Syed Abdull. He said the significant rise in registered autism cases in Malaysia emphasised the critical need for early intervention. 'Importantly, the event also celebrated the unique creativity and potential of individuals with autism, reminding us of the value they bring to our diverse society. 'Overall, it reinforced our commitment to advocating for and supporting this meaningful cause,' he added. Tunku Zain thanked the staff of OCBC Al-Amin. 'The bank's generous contribution has not only uplifted our event but also reinforced our belief in the potential of every child. 'We continue to need assistance and funding to provide quality care and education for our autistic children. 'This is a meaningful partnership that we hope will continue to serve to ensure autistic children and adults are able to better integrate into the wider society,' he said.
