The enthusiastic crowd enjoying their walk along Prangin Road with Komtar in the background. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI and IMRAN HIMY/The Star
THE City Walk in Penang on the first morning of 2024 drew more than 5,000 participants.
The annual event marks the day George Town was inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008.
Among the participants were clerk V. Shamini, 35, with her four-year-old son G. Dashalan,
“This has been an annual event for me since 2008, and now I brought along my son too,” said Shamini.
Shamini and her son at the walk.
Businessman Lim Chee Beng, 52, who was with his family, said: “It is good to have this event to promote George Town, which is one of the best heritage cities in the world.”
Civil servant Mohd Firdaus Ahmad, 40, joined the 6km walk for the first time after being persuaded by his wife.
“I am glad I came as I am really enjoying the scenery,” he said.
The walkers passed by several tourist sites including Cheong Fat Tze Mansion, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Khoo Kongsi, Islamic Museum, and Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who flagged off the walk at the Esplanade, said, “George Town’s historical value must be protected.
“The people should take pride in the state’s rich heritage.”
Also at the walk held by Penang Island City Council were the city mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, secretary Cheong Chee Hong and city councillors.
