THE ‘I Love Komtar Walk’ event became Penang’s first major outdoor event with over a thousand participants since the relaxation of the Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
Malaysia relaxed its Covid-19 SOPs on May 1 this year.
Some 1,300 participants took part in the 5km-walk from Komtar Walk this morning.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow congratulated Pertubuhan Kesedaran Komuniti Tanjong Pulau Pinang (PKKT) which organised this event with the support of the Penang government, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Tanjong parliament and the Komtar Village Community Management Council.
“Sports has always been a great avenue to release stress. Taking a walk would do wonders for our mental health and nothing beats ‘I Love Komtar Walk’.
“Relax and take a walk around George Town at your own pace. Put aside your worries,” he said in his short speech today.
Chow said that Malaysia is recovering from the tribulations caused by Covid-19.
“Many people suffered great emotional and financial stress caused by the pandemic and many have yet to walk out from their difficult position.
“There were multiple cases of attempted suicide in the past weeks.
“I would like to take a moment to ask everyone to be mindful and look after your family and friends who are feeling down or stressed out. Offer them support or hear them out if they are feeling uncomfortable.
“There are also help groups like Befrienders or Talian Kasih that offer counselling to those who are in need,” he said.
The ‘I Love Komtar Walk’ participants enjoyed the scenic view of the Unesco World Heritage Site as they covered Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, Lebuh Pantai, Lebuh Light, Lebuh Farquhar, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah and Jalan Penang.
Among those present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, and MBPP secretary A. Rajendran.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi