SOME 2,000 people from all walks of life spent their year-end break by taking part in the ‘Jom Take A Hike’ event held at Air Itam Dam this morning.
Organised by the Penang Forward Sports Club (PFSC) and the Bukit Gelugor Service Centre, this was the second time PFSC has co-organised it, with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The event was flagged off by Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh at the foot of the hill, near the Kek Lok Si Temple car park. Many of the participants arrived in droves, accompanied by their families and friends.
They hiked approximately 3km from the Kek Lok Si Temple car park to the Air Itam Dam.
In his speech, Ramkarpal said his service centre has been actively promoting healthy lifestyles among the community.
“We need to cultivate this lifestyle into our daily lives to ensure we are healthy and fit. PFSC is an active organisation that engages in various running activities across the state.
“This is PFSC’s second time organising a hiking activity to the Air Itam Dam, and it brings vitality to the people,” he said, adding that he looks forward to planning more healthy activities in the future.
PFSC chairman Lim Choo Hooi mentioned the number of participants had increased from 500 last year to 2,000.
“All the slots were snapped up within about half an hour due to overwhelming public response. Over the years, we have provided a platform for the public to join events with their families and friends.
“It is also an opportunity for participants to interact and foster stronger bonds with one another,” he said.
Lim highlighted that the surge in participant numbers this year marked a remarkable achievement for PFSC, noting how quickly the slots were taken up when registrations opened.
“We hope to accommodate more people in future events,” he added while expressing gratitude to the staff and volunteers who helped organise the event.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran was pleased to witness the huge turnout of enthusiastic hikers.
“Our upcoming event will be the City Walk on Jan 1, and we expect a large turnout too,” he said.
During the event, running shoes, bicycles, and a motorcycle were among the lucky draw prizes given to participants.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat