More than 6,000 participants show their patriotic spirit at #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk

THE sight of 76-year-old Renganathan Narayanasamy walking 5km at the #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk 2017 spurred other participants on to the finishing line.

The senior citizen came all the way from Ipoh for the unity walk held in Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam on Sunday.

Renganathan, who was with his wife, said he wanted to make this year’s National Day celebration memorable.

“I met Tunku Abdul Rahman during Merdeka when I was in Sungai Lembing, so I wanted this walk to be just as unforgettable,” he said.

Renganathan was one of more than 6,000 participants who turned up to promote unity and harmony among Malaysians through the walk.

(From left) Sunway Group deputy executive chairman Tan Sri Razman M. Hashim, Azmin, DRB-Hicom Bhd group strategic communications head Mahmood Abdul Razak, Maya Karin, #AnakAnakMalaysia organising chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, renowned shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo, Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Proton Holdings Bhd deputy chief executive officer Datuk Md Radzaif Mohamed, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak and Public Investment Bank institutional and corporate business head Adrian Chen at the event.

Some groups were spotted singing various patriotic songs enthusiastically as the walk progressed while others waved the Jalur Gemilang with fervour.

Despite the early morning shower, parents turned up in high spirits with their children in tow. Some were even dressed for the occasion, reflecting the true spirit of Malaysia.

One such family was Ng Siok Hiong, 40, Lai Cheon Seam, 47, and their boys Joshua Lai, seven, and Zeus Lai, six, who were dressed in the Jalur Gemilang with additional props to complete their outfits.

The parents felt that as fourth-generation Malaysians, their children should understand that Malaysia is a country with diverse races.

Football legends Datuk Soh Chin Aun (left) and Datuk Santokh Singh (right) sharing a light moment with Maxis Bhd chairman and independent non-executive director Raja Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda before the walk.

Meanwhile, sisters Ezrin Harun, 41, and Intan Harun, 33, and their children Elhan Moez, eight, and Iman Madina, five, stayed overnight at a nearby hotel to ensure they made it to the walk on time.

The two from Bangi said they wanted their children to experience the spirit and atmosphere of National Day with fellow Malaysians.

“This is our first walk. We decided to join, especially since spirits are high, thanks to the Merdeka month and SEA Games,” Ezrin said.

Wearing the #bikeisable jersey, Wira Sudepja Rabu was seen pushing his daughter Nur Wadihan, nine, who has cerebral palsy, in a customised stroller.

“My daughter has been bedridden since birth but since her condition stabilised, we decided to do something special to make her feel normal.

Massimo employees handing out chiffon in cups to participants.

“Since we are able to take her out in this customised stroller, we have been joining several outdoors events, usually with my wife and two elder daughters.

“We want to show that even a special child can contribute to a good cause,” he said, adding that he and his family hoped to raise awareness of cerebral palsy.

Also spotted among the sea of like-minded participants were celebrities and influencers, including Malaysian actress Maya Karin who said the #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk was short and sweet.

She walked along a 2.2km route led by Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and his consort Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin Abdul Rahman, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and his wife Datin Seri Shamsidar Taharin.

Maya was happy to be invited to the walk and said it had been awhile since she last participated in such an event.

Comedian Douglas Lim and his wife Natasha Fernz all geared up for the #AnakAnakMalaysiaWalk 2017 Walk. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG, RAJA FAISAL HISHAN, SIA HONG KIAU, YAP CHEE HONG and EBBY SAIFUL/The Star

She crossed the finishing line with her sister Irina Melati.

National mixed doubles shuttler Goh Liu Ying was all smiles as she waved the Jalur Gemilang and crossed the finishing line with her brother Goh Qi Hao.

Liu Ying, who won silver with Chan Peng Soon at the Rio Olympics last year, said the walk was a healthy event and one that highlighted the importance of unity.

She said Malaysians were supportive and she was proud of the love given no matter where she competes.

“Even when I play in a different country, many Malaysians come to support the team. It makes me feel like I’m competing in our own country,” she said.

Model Amber Chia posing for photographs during the walk.

Along the walk, participants enjoyed giveaways from beverage maker Yeo’s and CIMB Foundation. They were also entertained by a special drum performance by school students.

A special booth was also set up by co-sponsor EcoWorld Development Group Bhd for the walkers to take selfies.

As soon as they crossed the finishing line, the participants rushed to take photographs with two giant #AnakAnakMalaysia wristband models as well as a special open-top bus adorned with the campaign logo and caricatures of everyday Malaysians.

They were also treated to numerous goodies from various sponsors including Panasonic, Milo, Massimo, Counter Pain and Nestle Breakfast Cereals.

Gold Sponsor CIMB Foundation handed out ice cream to the participants at the event.

There was also food from trucks parked near the finishing line for hungry participants to enjoy while watching entertaining performances by the EcoWorld team.

A spirited drum performance by the EcoWorld Symphony Drummers kept participants and guests on the edge of their seats while a special choir performance by the EcoWorld Choir team drew thunderous applause from all.

The #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk was organised by Star Media Group Bhd in collaboration with EcoWorld.