KUALA TERENGGANU: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) became the first university in the country yesterday to institute a motor vehicle-free day on campus.

UMT’s Vice Chancellor Datuk Dr Nor Aieni Mokhtar said the university will henceforth encourage all students and staff to walk or use bicycles one day out of every month while on the premises.

“We decided that the campus will be motor vehicle-free on the first Thursday of every month,” she said.

Nor Aeini stated that the campaign is aimed at maintaining a healthy environment by minimising carbon dioxide emissions, and to promote a healthy lifestyle.

“To enable easy transportation on motor vehicle-free days, UMT will provide 262 bicycles for free use by staff and students”, she added. Nor Aeini said the campaign will also resolve long-standing parking problems on the campus.

-New Straits Times