KOTA TINGGI – Cycling is not a new phenomenon for Desaru residents, especially the younger ones, who have always participated in the leisure activity.
However, when there is a major cycling event happening in the area, there is even greater awareness and interest among locals to venture into the extreme sport on a larger scale.
Speaking to Getaran, Bandar Penawar bicycle shop trader Hanan Hafiza Mohd Azli said cycling’s rising popularity not only has a positive impact on their business but has also cultivated a healthy culture among the residents.
“The cycling culture has been around for a long time, but when there is an event organised inside or outside the country, it does give a positive impact to a trader like me.
“Plus if it is organised regularly, it will definitely cultivate a healthy culture for the residents here,” she said.
For Hanan, this is a good start to reviving the local community’s social activities.
“There are many cycling groups here. As traders, we also reap some benefits since in this area there are not many shops and our advantage is that we also provide repair services, not just selling bicycles.
“We are also making preparations for L’Étape Malaysia because we know that there will be many cycling enthusiasts visiting Kota Tinggi,” said she, who is in business with her husband, Muhammad Fuad Mohd Mukhid.
According to Hanan, the selection of Desaru as the location for L’Étape Malaysia on Saturday is seen as very timely and appropriate, especially when taking into account the road conditions and the surrounding area.
“The surrounding area here is not too hilly and not too flat, but it still challenges the endurance of the participants. Moreover, the weather is quite hot now.”
Meanwhile, private sector employee Masturah Suradi said the locals are looking forward to the large-scale event as it could attract many tourists.
She said L’Étape gives a new breath of life to the local community, who has been under a gloomy state for too long due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The large crowd could liven up the atmosphere and help revive the business sector. I miss the excitement of what things used to be.
“There have been no big events here for two years, so when there is an event like L’Étape, traders become the happiest because they can revive the economy,” she added.
According to Masturah, various cycling events have been held around Desaru, in 2015 and 2019, among others.
“As residents, we are excited every time there is a big event here because Desaru also gains reputation from it, besides allowing residents to gain experience and create very meaningful memories,” she said.
The Vibes is the official media partner for L’Étape Malaysia and is participating in two teams sponsored by the Vinod Sekhar Foundation.
The Vibes is a PETRA News company which also publishes the Bahasa Malaysia portal Getaran. – The Vibes, June 1, 2022
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