Walking the talk at #AnakAnakMalaysia
Huge turnout for walk despite massive storm a day earlier
BATU KAWAN: Patriotism and unity were the order of the day at the #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk Penang 2017 which drew a 12,000-strong crowd despite the massive storm that hit the state just the day before.
Clear skies matched the mood of the spirited participants who arrived before dawn, eager to tackle the 6km walk at the EcoWorld Gallery @ Eco Horizon in Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia.
Bank worker Fadzuaakmar Fazil, 36, initially feared the worst when it started drizzling as she left her Sungai Petani home at 5am.
With her 63-year-old father and youngest daughter, aged three, in tow, they decided to take a chance.
It paid off when they were greeted by a beautiful sunrise on arrival.
“We had one of the best Malaysia Day celebrations. The weather was perfect and the children had great fun,’’ said Fadzuaakmar.
The participants wore #AnakAnakMalaysia T-shirts with matching red wristbands. Many waved the Jalur Gemilang with pride.
Eco World Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye described the walk as a “simple yet powerful act” in the name of unity.
“As people from various races, creeds and beliefs gather to celebrate, it promotes integration, unity and harmony.
“The success of #AnakAnakMalaysia proves that the private sector plays an important part in nation-building,” said Lee, who was joined by Eco World Development Group Bhd chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin and chief operating officer Datuk S. Rajoo in flagging off the walk organised by the company yesterday..
Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai said the #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk Penang 2017 was special as it was extended to Penang after the main event in Shah Alam.
“The Penang edition is held on Malaysia Day and it is certainly auspicious and meaningful. The walk has been held for three years in the Klang Valley and staging the event in Batu Kawan is awesome,” he said.
Gracing the event were Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Seberang Prai Municipal Council president Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
The #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk 2017 was held to mark National Day and Malaysia Day.