Sunset Run, Shared Purpose: FunRun @ Kebun Bandar Sg Bunus

By, Adibah Amir

The Monday evening of 16 June 2025 began with a drizzle, but as the sun dipped beyond the skyline, the rain cleared, leaving a cool, refreshing atmosphere for the much-awaited Fun Run 2025. The 5km route stretched alongside the scenic TasikTitiwangsa, offering runners a balance of nature, wellness, and city vibrance.

Held in conjunction with the 19th CONSAL General Conference & Meeting (CONSAL XIX) from 16 to 19 June 2025 at the World Trade Centre (WTC), Kuala Lumpur, the run embodied the spirit of the conference theme:

“Inclusive Knowledge: Bridging Divides, Empowering All,” with the tagline, “Leveraging Inclusivity, Empowering Humanity.”

The event was organised by Persatuan Pustakawan Malaysia and Persatuan Kebun Bandar Sungai Bunus, with the support of strategic partners Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) via Local Action 21 KL, Basic Tees New, Excel Envirotech Resources Sdn Bhd, Fit Zone Gym, and Columbia Asia Hospital. It drew a diverse crowd of over 100 participants, including CONSAL delegates, librarians, students, local residents and members of the Kebun Bandar Sg Bunus (KBSB) community. The evening kicked off with a lively senamrobik session and the run was officially flagged off at 5.30 PM by Mrs. Hasliza Binti Abdul Hamid, Timbalan Pengarah Kanan, Jabatan Pembangunan Komuniti dan Kesejahteraan Bandar DBKL, representing the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur. Her attendance highlighted DBKL’s strong support for civic health, green innovation, and people-powered urban transformation.

As Chairperson of Persatuan Kebun Bandar Sungai Bunus, the author shared heartfelt pride in KBSB’s role as host. To have KBSB featured on an international platform like CONSAL is a proud moment. This green pocket in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is more than just a community space, it represents collective ownership, where government bodies, NGOs, universities, societies and local communities come together in their shared, long-term commitment to urban sustainability and inclusive outreach.

KBSB now proudly includes ten stakeholders, among them theInternational Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), whose involvement in the KBSB initiative reflects a long-standing commitment to urban sustainability, community outreach, and knowledge transfer. Other stakeholders include Chef liza Sekebun Cinta, Persatuan Pustakawan Malaysia, BERNAMA, Koperasi Seri Perlis2, Universiti Tenologi Malaysia and Malaysia Board on Books for Young People, among others.

One of the event’s heartwarming highlights was the special performance of “Rebana Terapi Muzik” led by none other than Granny a.k.a Normah Nordin. Adding to the festive atmosphere, members of KBSB set up stalls offering hot coffee, freshly harvested vegetables, homemade food pastes, and signature kelulut honey. A showcase of local sustainability in action and community entrepreneurship.

Fun Run @ KBSB 2025 was more than a race, it was a celebration of how communities, institutions, and knowledge can move forward together.***

Music therapy using Rebana.

Participants warmed up with a senamrobik session.

While everyone’s a winner, a special shout out to our first two finishers. ***

Figure 4: IIUM Booth selling kelulut honey products.

(The write is Dr. Adibah Amir, affiliated with the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia.)