MORE than 2,400 participants are expected to take part in the fourth edition of the annual “Perpaduan Charity Hike 2026” (PCH26), which is now open for registration.
Penang International Hikers (PIH) chairman “Jungle” Sim Thean Sang hopes that participation will exceed last year’s turnout, or at least match it.
The event recorded 1,100 participants in 2023, while 2024 and 2025 saw 1,700 and 2,400 participants respectively.
“Hopefully, this year we will see between 2,400 and 2,500 participants.
“The hike brings together students, working adults, families and corporate teams to promote an active lifestyle, strengthen community bonds and foster social responsibility,” he said.
The number of participants has grown steadily since its inception, drawing increasing participation from schools and corporate bodies.
Sim said students would earn state-level physical, sports and co-curricular activities assessment (PAJSK) scores.
Most importantly, he said the event was meant to raise funds for 10 charitable organisations.
The welfare homes and associations are Pusat Jagaan Persekutuan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Islam Pulau Pinang (boys), Pusat Jagaan Persekutuan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Islam Pulau Pinang (girls), Persatuan Kebajikan Bersikap Murah Hati Butterworth Seberang Perai Utara, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insan Penyayang Pulau Pinang and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Simpang Ampat Pulau Pinang.
Other beneficiaries are Shan Children’s Home, Pusat Jagaan Pertubuhan Kebajikan Rumah Mentari, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Vallal Malaysia, Shine Home Association Bukit Mertajam Penang and Pertubuhan Rumah Ru Yi Pulau Pinang.
Scheduled for June 21, the hike will be flagged off at Penang City Park at 6am. It will feature two categories – public (5km and 8km) and student (3km and 5km).
Sim said the club, which now has 381 members, has evolved beyond weekly hikes to organising larger community and charity-driven events.
“As our group has grown in popularity, we want to use hiking as a platform to raise funds for the less fortunate.
“It is about turning a hobby into something meaningful,” he said.
