TODAY marks the 14th year of George Town’s inscription into the Unesco World Heritage listing and to celebrate this significant day, some 2,000 participants took part in the ‘George Town Discovery Walk 2022’ this morning.
The participants, clad in pink jerseys, were seen gathering with enthusiasm in Beach Street as early 6am.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present for the flagging-off ceremony, urged everyone to continue to stay united and spread goodwill.
“As we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, we must continue to stay united and help one another.
“We will make a strong comeback together and show our love for our state – LovePenang!
“The smallest effort could go a long way,” Chow said during his speech before the flagging-off event.
Chow said the walk was a good way to strengthen the relationship between family members, friends, and the community.
“Through this walk, they can foster closer relationships.
“They can also discover the efforts by the state government in conserving heritage for future generations.
“We hope this will inspire participants to cherish and conserve our precious heritage,” he said.
Chow shared that annually, George Town’s Unesco listing is celebrated with the George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC).
“It (GTHC) is a celebration that offers visitors the opportunity to experience first-hand George Town’s living traditions through various interactive and educational programmes in the streets of the heritage enclave.
“Experience the early history of George Town as you walk down some of the earliest streets in Penang and discover some of the oldest buildings, sites, places of worship and many more.
“Enjoy yourself, take photos, videos or just simply enjoy the sights.
“Hopefully, you’ll bring home newfound appreciation for our shared heritage after spending quality time with your family, friends and other participants from all walks of life,” he said.
The route for the 5km fun walk includes Beach Street, Light Street, Leith Street, Muntri Street, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Carnarvon Street and Prangin Road.
Also present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, George Town World Heritage Incorporated general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, Unesco office Jakarta director and representative Mohamed Djelid, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Law Suun Ting