PUTRAJAYA: After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Milo Malaysia Breakfast Day (MBD) proved it remains as popular as ever after 25,000 people attended the event here today.
Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd chief executive officer Juan Aranols said it was heartwarming to see Malaysians from all walks of life participating in the event.
Another 20,000 to 30,000 people are expected to participate in the second and final day of the event in Putrajaya tomorrow.
"The last time we organised this event was before the pandemic in 2019 so today was really a test for us to see how people would respond," said Aranols.
"We are so happy that we are back to full strength, 25,000 people is a lot and to see them participate and really engage in all the activities is really heartwarming."
MBD's main objective is to encourage and educate Malaysians about the importance of having a healthy and balanced breakfast as well as benefits of an active lifestyle.
The main event was the Milo Run which featured three and five kilometre categories. Participants were also able to undergo body mass index (BMI) checks, learn how to prepare a healthy breakfast as well as learn more about beneficial physical activities.
"Breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day, you need to have the energy to start your activities be it your business, sports or your studies," added Aranols.
"It is important you have a complete meal with all the necessary elements.
"And as you know, Milo is (comprised of) milk, malt and cocoa, tastes great and gives you the energy to start your day strong."
Aranols stressed that Milo continues to play an important role in the development of Malaysian sports via its partnership with the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
"Milo has from the very beginning been very engaged in the promotion of grassroots sports (in Malaysia). We have had almost 70 years of presence in Malaysia and have collaborated with OCM for 66 years," he said.
"We recently celebrated the renewal of this partnership with OCM for another four years. This is what Milo is all about, great taste in combination with an active and healthy lifestyle."
MBD, which was first held in 2013, had been held earlier this month in Sarawak (July 2) and Sabah (July 16).
Aranols is hoping to expand the event to more states in the future.