Article: Healthy living in Chemor

Thursday September 3, 2009

Non-governmental organisation Pertu-buhan Prihatin Sosial Malaysia wants to help the residents in the Chemor area to lead a healthy lifestyle by organising hikes up Bukit Bangkong in Tanah Hitam, Perak.

Its secretary R. Ramaitharan said about 350 people hiked up to the summit of the hill during the "Health Hikers: Get Your Feet Moving Today!" event held on Sunday.

He said the cool weather and the mist-shrouded hill made the event enjoyable.

Once a hotbed for communist activities, Bukit Bangkong in Tanah Hitam, Perak, is now a popular exercise and recreational spot.

"Some first timers up the hill said the trek to the summit was great," said Ramanitha-ran.

Ramanitharan said more hiking events with smaller groups would be held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

The NGO would also invite speakers to give talks on health and tips on hiking every Tuesday and Thursday.

Hikers descending Bukit Bangkong, a popular recreation and exercise spot in Tanah Hitam.

Prihatin Malaysia has been actively in-volved in the promotion of hiking to schoolchildren in and around Ipoh since 2005.

Key members of Prihatin Malaysia are avid hikers and mountaineers, having scaled almost all major mountains

The association can be contacted at 05-2916535 or email info@prihatinmalaysia.org.

Bukit Bangkong, 311m-high, once a hotbed for communist activities, has been po-pular with local hikers since 2002.

Residents committee chairman Tang Seng Fatt said the idea of using the hill for recreation cropped up when some villagers met over Chinese tea in a coffee shop.

"We enjoy the fresh air and the panoramic view at the summit. Hikers can even buy fresh vegetables from farmers while on the hill," he said.

He said about 400 people hike up the hill on weekdays and the number would increase to about 1,000 on weekends,

This article was taken from: The Star Online:Metro: North 3 September 2009