SOME 5,000 participants from all walks of life kicked off the New Year by taking part in the 11th edition of the City Walk organised by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) at Padang Kota today.
Celebrated in tandem with Penang City Day, the enthusiastic participants took their time off this morning to discover the historical buildings and unique street art pieces and installations in the heritage enclave during the 5km walk.
Many came with their families and friends to sweat it out.
They were seen in good spirits as they enjoyed the walk on the streets that were virtually free from vehicles because of good traffic control.
Many of them also took the chance to have photographs taken with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and other state dignitaries.
They also captured the scenic view around the city centre.
Earlier, Chow flagged off the event at Padang Kota at 7.30am.
“This is the beginning of the Year 2023, and I wish everyone here a Happy New Year!
“Today, we have a 5km City Walk while tomorrow, we will have an 82km City Ride,” he said in his speech.
Both events are part of Penang City Day’s celebrations.
MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, who was also present, was delighted with the overwhelming response.
“It is a beautiful day today and I hope everyone will enjoy the City Walk,” he said.
Chow and other state leaders present also joined in the walk.
Among them were deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying, who is also Tanjung MP, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, state Social Development and Non-Religious Committee chairman Chong Eng, state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, state assemblymen, and Terengganu State Secretary Tengku Seri Bijaya Raja Datuk Tengku Farok Hussin Tengku Abdul Jalil.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting