KUCHING: More than 1,500 runners braved the rain to take part in the Narcofic Fun Run in conjunction with the 216th Police Day held at the Kuching District Police Headquarters here today (May 13).
Themed ‘United Against Drug and Illegal Racing’, the event aims to bring the police and the local community together.
Two fun run categories were held, namely the 3-kilometre and 7-kilometre.
According to Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri, the gathering of communities of different races and religions during the run is evidence of the nation’s unity.
“Today, May 13, is the day when racial riots happened in the country, and we should use this occasion to highlight the value of living harmoniously.
“In the context of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), unity among us and the community is important; in any case of crime, you (the community) are our eyes and ears to continue to live in a peaceful society,” he said.
He added that organising such an event remains crucial to continuing to bring the public and the police closer.
“The Narcofic Fun Run is an initiative by the police aimed to gather both the public and the police, which is in line with the 216th Police Day theme, ‘Polis dan Masyarakat Berpisah Tiada’,” he said.
Mohd Azman earlier officiated at the Narcofic Fun Run while taking part in the run, which began as early as 6.30am.
Also present were Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata and Kuching district police acting chief Supt Merbin Lisa.
Meanwhile, the New Sarawak Tribune managed to interview husband and wife, Sylvester Nyalau, 33, and Rosetta Runggeng, 43, and both of them expressed excitement about taking part in the fun run for the first time.
They both thought the event was fun and wished the police would organise more.
Vanessa Maggie, a 26-year-old solo runner, admitted that the heavy downpour was a challenge for her, but she had heaps of fun overall and planned to continue participating in runs organised by the police in the future.
