THE George Town heritage enclave was swarmed by visitors donned in red, green and purple T-shirts this morning.
About a hundred of them tried the different walking trails during the ‘Walk in the City 2022’ programme.
There were three trails available today – the George Town Heritage Trail, the Muslim Heritage Trail, and the Women Entrepreneurs Trail.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present with Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, said the community walks were aimed at promoting George Town’s historical and cultural values to residents, as well as domestic and international tourists through a series of discovery dialogues conducted by licensed tour guides.
“This can increase awareness among participants of the need to preserve George Town’s unique characteristics and its intrinsic heritage values, in tandem with the key objectives of Unesco World Heritage Site.
“And of course, also promote community cohesiveness through group activities and interactions,” Chow said in his speech in Armenian Park today.
Chow also spoke about the three different colours of T-shirts worn by participants for the events.
“According to the information which I received, the colour red, symbolises the vibrancy and prosperity of George Town, our heritage city.
“Green symbolises a ‘Greener & Cleaner Penang’ as well as the colour of Islam, which is our national religion.
“Lastly, the colour purple is the internationally recognised colour for women empowerment and the promotion of awareness on violence and discrimination against women,” Chow explained.
He extended his appreciation to Taman Trafik Village Community Management Council (MPKK), Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), Penang Global Tourism (PGT), George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), Penang Walkabouts, Penang Hidden Gems, Penang Tourist Guides Association, supporters, and partners for making the event a great success.
Lai Heng said the event could help spread Penang’s unique culture besides promoting local businesses.
He welcomed the participants to have fun exploring George Town.
Also present were Taman Trafik MPKK chairman Ong Lin Teong, Taman Trafik MPKK secretary Benji Ang, PGT chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Penang Walkabouts founder Robert Teh, GTWHI Department of Built Environment and Monitoring manager Muhammad Hijas Sahari, and PWDC communication head of department Roopinder Kaur.
Chow and Lai Heng later took part in the Women Entrepreneurs Trail where they visited several premises which included the Teochew Puppet and Opera House in Armenian Street, Rozanas Batik in Acheh Street, and Loo Beef Noodle at OO White Coffee Cafe in Carnarvon Street.
For more details about the ‘Walk in the City 2022’, visit http://ptga.my/ptga_event.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0NIyken7hMRkvVlp1mDtJ8n7u8KEPxK0KGf4HfsV4IXdJA1xCT4DxkoAg
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud