Group that climbed 'Ipoh' signboard apologise

IPOH: A group of eight people who climbed the iconic 'IPOH' signboard in Jalan Kuala Kangsar here, have come forward and made a public apology today for their daring stunts which went viral recently.
Norfarihan Baharudin, 24, who represented the group said they regretted their action which was done without thinking of the consequences.
"We're indeed aware that our action is wrong but this is not the first time we have scaled such structures ... In fact, all of us have mountain climbing background.
"For instance, I am into outdoor activities. Those who don't know might criticise me but I have done (the same) in Indonesia and Thailand," she told reporters after meeting Perak Youth, Sports and Human Resources Committee chairman Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya here today.
Also present were her four friends, namely Muhammad Zaki Nasarruddin, 23; Muhammad Faiz Roslee, 23; Nor Farina Baharudin, 22; and Azlina Azmi, 21, who came to apologise to the state government and members of the public.
Norfarihan said what they did was not to seek popularity but to share their interests to the people.
"We did not upload the pictures to go viral. I was contacted by someone (claimed) from 'The Vocket' (an online news portal) and asked to be interviewed. I thought it was just a small matter but didn't expect that it would go viral nationwide," she said.
Norfarihan said climbing a building or mountain was nothing new but such a matter went viral because it involved women.
Meanwhile, Shahrul Zaman said although the group's action was rare, it was still against the law and the state government would not interfere in police investigations.
He also advised the individuals involved to channel their courage as well as expertise to climb hills, mountains or rocks in the right way.
"I suggest they set up a club like the Silver Youth Climbers so that they can attract more young people to join. All these can be done in a positive manner and in accordance with the law ... the most important thing is to ensure their safety and that of others," he said.
Earlier, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir advised those who are interested in extreme sports to carry out the activities at places deemed appropriate.
"As our forefathers used to say, being brave is good but it's not done appropriately, it won't serve any good," he told reporters after attending a state exco meeting here.
Among others, the images which went viral showed a group of people climbing the 20m high 'IPOH' signboard and lying in hammocks tied to the poles of the signboard frame. — Bernama