A walk in celebration
In the spirit of patriotism, Starwalk Penang 2017 drew them by the thousands.
GEORGE TOWN: Sharing the same age with Penang Starwalk, Starwalker Zamduka Mat Kamis celebrated his 40th birthday in patriotic style.
The hotel housekeeper came for the annual walk dressed in a handmade costume designed with a Penang flag in front and Jalur Gemilang at the back.
His wife Rozita Rahim, 34, son Akif, seven, and daughter Zulaikha, four, in matching outfits, were a huge hit at the starting point held at the seafront promenade of Gurney Drive yesterday.
“My birthday celebration this year is special as I get to spread the spirit of patriotism with over 20,000 Starwalkers,” said Zamduka, who has been a participant since 2000.
Zamduka said he started wearing flag costumes in 2011 because that year’s Starwalk was on Sept 15, a day before Malaysia Day.
“My family also started donning the custom-made attire from 2013,” he said, adding that he missed the 2012 edition due to knee surgery.
Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif flagged off participants for the new 7km route, which took them to Jalan Tanjung Tokong and Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang before circling back to the mall via Jalan Tanjung Tokong.
In the past, Starwalk was held at the Esplanade, Penang International Sports Arena (now SPICE) and Penang Times Square.
Starwalk regulars and childhood friends K. Mahalingam and R. Govi were among the first to cross the finish line.
Mahalingam, 62, a real estate agent from Taman Markisa in Bukit Mertajam, said he and businessman Govi, 60, from Taman Sutra Suria, Sungai Petani, have never missed a single edition of Penang Starwalk since its inception.
Mahalingam, a veteran athlete and independent coach who is also a multi-time champion, said he participated in the event with his wife S. Thulasimani, 52, friends and a 15-member team he is currently training with.
“My 25-year-old son M. Satiyaseelan, who is also a Starwalk regular, registered for the walk but he couldn’t make it,” he said.
Mahalingam lauded the Penang Starwalk because it provided him with a platform to train as a race walker.
“The participation has increased greatly over the years – testament of a good event,” he said.
Star Media Group chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who was on the podium with Maimunah at the flag-off, was in high spirits waving the Jalur Gemilang.
He attributed the success to loyal public support.
“We gave out a car as the grand prize this year. The timing is good. People are in a celebratory mood with the recent National Day and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday celebrations over the weekend and Malaysia Day on Saturday,” he said.
Wong was joined by senior staff and VIPs on stage for a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of Penang Starwalk.
They were Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd Automotive Group group chief executive officer Datuk Samson Anand George, YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YES) head of marketing Patricia Chooi Po-Po, Hunza Properties (Penang) Sdn Bhd executive director Fong Yin Sian, Penang Amateur Athletic Association president Datuk Syed Mohd Aidid Syed Murtaza, Star Media Group editor-in-chief Datuk Leanne Goh and Star Media Group regional operations general manager (north) Simone Liong, who is Penang Starwalk 2017 chairman.
The walk is jointly organised by Star Media Group Bhd and PAAA.
The platinum sponsors were YES and Naza Kia Malaysia while Eastern & Oriental Bhd, F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd, Federal Oats Mills Sdn Bhd, Health4U Solutions Sdn Bhd, Perfect Food Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd and Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd were the silver sponsors.
The venue sponsor was Gurney Paragon while the ride-sharing partner was Mula Car International Sdn Bhd.