COFFEE took centre stage at the inaugural Melawati coffee festival where over 3,000 people took part in events and festivities at Taman Melawati in Ampang, Selangor.
Held along Jalan Negara, the festival included the Melawati coffee run and ride.
Some 500 participants took part in a 5km run and 10km cycling ride.
Another 26 took part in a latte art competition held in collaboration with Sekolah Kopi.
Speaking at the Melawati Coffee Festival 2025, Amirudin says coffee has strong potential for growth in the country.
The competition was judged by a panel of three industry professionals.
Colouring contests, podcast sessions, live music and 14 local coffee vendors were also part of the festival.
The event was organised by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) in collaboration with various other non-governmental organisations.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari who officiated the event, also launched the shared space that has been officially named Jalan Negara Kita.
Hulu Kelang state constituency coordinating officer Juwairiya Zulkifli was also present at the event.
Amirudin said Selangor was one of the main coffee plantation centres before independence.
"Two to three years ago, a festival was held to commemorate Kajang as a major centre for the coffee trade in South-East Asia.
"I believe coffee has strong potential for further growth in Malaysia, just like in our neighbouring countries," he said.
He added that promoting and supporting local coffee, including hipster-style cafes and artisanal brews, should be encouraged.
Meanwhile, Jalan Negara Kita co-founder Nazura Rahime, 46, said she grew up in the building along the alley.
"After the Covid-19 movement control order we began renting out old storerooms as small coffee spaces. Slowly people of all ages started coming for the sense of community.
"Over the past three years, we organised programmes using art and culture to bring people together, fully self-funded and based on our capacity.
"Two years ago we asked MPAJ for support in building a roof on this alleyway. I also mooted the idea of formalising our programmes to MPAJ," she added.
MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the transformation of the alleyway from a back lane into an arts hub was made possible through funding from the Selangor State Economic Planning Unit under the tourism portfolio.
Coffee vendors busy serving customers at the alleyway of Jalan Negara Kita.
"Improvements included a roof for shade and comfort for visitors.
"The addition of fans, lights and electrical wiring were installed last September," said Hasrolnizam.
He added that MPAJ was honoured that the space was recognised with the Silver Award in the Placemaking and Public Space (Government Initiative) category at the Malaysia Institute of Planners Planning Excellence Awards 2024.
"This was a collaborative effort involving MPAJ, Manggis Group, AP Art Gallery, Weststar Art Shop and Folk Kofii.
"It reflects our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals," he added.