PETALING JAYA, 22 Dec: The Petaling Jaya International Festival 2013, themed ‘sustainable lifestyle and green living, organised by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) at Pusat Bandar Section 52 just now was celebrated in a lively manner, with the participation of about 3,000 attendees.
The event which began about 9pm started with art and cultural dance performances as a launch gimmick, and was followed by a cycling parade by residents’ committees and the Classic Bicycle Group, Malaysia.
The event was inaugurated by the Executive Councillor in charge of Local Government, Studies and Research, Datuk Teng Chang Khim.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of MBPJ, Datin Paduka Alinah, said that the programme is one of the activities that prioritise urban greenery and sustainable lifestyle, proposed by the Petaling Jaya residents when preparing the “Sustainable PJ 2030” Strategic Plan.
She said that it aims to promote and raise public awareness about the initiatives taken by the Council in making Petaling Jaya a green and liveable city.
“The sustainable living which we often talk about will be carried out on an ongoing basis. Various programmes have been conducted; among them is the Assessment Rebate Scheme, free parking for three months for buyers of hybrid cars in Petaling Jaya and other environmentally friendly activities.
“These measures taken are not based on desire, but necessity, especially when the world is suffering from effects of development such as climate change, carbon footprint and so on,” she said.
Alinah said that MBPJ is also able to share good practices and green innovation together with communities from abroad to promote a healthy and green lifestyle.
She said that 41 events will be held to ensure the success of this festival, such as processions, exhibitions and the sales of hybrid, electric and solar cars, a green acoustic show, smart gardens and so on.
“This programme is able to enliven Pusat Bandar Section 52, which can promote the use of the space for communities to interact with each other.
“The public is welcome to join and enliven the festival,” she added.
This two day festival was held from 21 to 22 December around Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Pusat Bandar Section 52.
This annual programme received cooperation from MBPJ ‘stakeholders’, including Residents’ Associations, Rukun Tetangga, non-governmental organisations (NGO), Public and Private Institutes of Higher Learning, vendors and investors.
The festival activities were divided into five segments; Eco-Mobility, Sustainable Community, Smart Garden, Healthy Lifestyle and Green Arts & Culture.
