Chow speaking to the crowd before flagging off the walk. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
THOUSANDS of Penangites woke up to a healthy start to 2025 by participating in the City Walk at George Town.
Living up to the New Year spirit was a group of participants wearing fancy headgear bearing “New Year” and “2025” on them.
“This is our first event of the year and we wanted to make it memorable.
“Moments are precious. So, we try to meet up whenever possible,” said 56-year-old Kenny Kok who led the U31 Hiking Group.
Kok (front left) and his group of hiking friends wearing fancy headgear and spectacles during the walk.
Kok said the team would usually meet on weekends for hikes in Penang.
“After sweating it off together, we would head off to breakfast for another get-together.
“Once in a while, it’s good to walk in the city and appreciate our heritage,” he added.
Participants of all ages and backgrounds participated in the 5.5km walk that was flagged off by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the Esplanade.
The crowd taking part in an energetic Zumba warm-up at dawn.
Organised by Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the 13th edition of the walk attracted 7,500 participants.
Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said among the walkers were 152 people whose birthday fell on Jan 1.
They were invited to cut a cake on the event stage.
Retired coffeeshop operator Ng Soo Sim, 70, who was among the celebrants, was commended for her determination to participate despite just having undergone surgeries to both her knees.
Lantern decorations for Chinese New Year add to the festive mood.
“I’ve been participating in the walk every year but missed it last year due to pains in my knee.
“At the end of last year, I underwent two surgeries to replace both kneecap joints and they are recovering well.
“This year, I was accompanied by my friends, and we were glad to kick off the new year by completing this walk,” she said.
The visually-impaired also joined in.
Seven of them from St Nicholas Home for the Blind completed the walk with their guides.
“They are trainees, staff and senior citizens from the home.
Walkers passing by the iconic Komtar (background, centre) in the heart of George Town.
“Since last year, we have been encouraging them to participate in outdoor events to mingle with the crowd and to promote a healthier lifestyle,” said the home’s general manager Carmen Chew, 35.
In his speech, Chow said the City Walk event was first organised in 2013 and had grown to become an annual event anticipated by Penangites.
The event presents an opportunity to appreciate the sights and sounds of the city.
“In 2015, Penang Island Municipal Council was elevated to the status of a city council.
“After 10 years of being a city council, we have witnessed positive changes and the impact of efforts from all, including stakeholders, communities and residents.
“Let’s take this opportunity to appreciate the sights and all that the city has to offer.
“I hope 2025 provides us with more opportunities to prosper and for all to enjoy better standard of living,” he said.
