SHAH ALAM: Excitement was in the air as crowds of Malaysians gathered for the #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk 2019 held to celebrate the nation's 62nd year of independence.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who graced the event, flagged off the walk at Eco Ardence Sales Gallery in Setia Alam here Saturday (Aug 31).
Sultan Abdullah's presence at the event, joining in the walk with the participants and several Cabinet ministers, reflected His Majesty's commitment in promoting patriotic activities that involve the participation of those from multi-cultural backgrounds, said Istana Negara.
"As the head of state and the nation's symbol of unity, His Majesty's presence at the event also underlines his pledge to uphold, strengthen and preserve harmony and solidarity as well as unify people of the various races and religions in the country," said Istana Negara in an official statement Saturday.
His Majesty arrived at about 4.45pm to a roaring welcome from the multiracial crowd of participants, who had gathered at the venue as early as 2.30pm on a sunny Merdeka day.
After welcoming remarks by #AnakAnakMalaysia organising chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, His Majesty flagged off the participants by sounding an air horn to signal the start of the 5.5km walk that is aimed at promoting diversity and unification.
Accompanied by Ministers and other notable figures, His Majesty then walked a distance of 300m for 10 minutes, causing a huge buzz of excitement among the participants who were eager to have the King walking with them.
Also present were Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Federal Territories Minister and Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad and Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari.
Various activities such as food stalls, bazaar and exhibitions will continue into the night, ending with a dazzling fireworks display.
The event, in its fifth year is themed #BetterMeBetterMalaysia, driving home the point that a better Malaysia starts from ourselves.
The #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk 2019 is a collaboration between Malaysia’s well-known property developer Eco World Development Group Bhd and Star Media Group.
The main sponsors for the event are Panasonic (silver sponsor) and DRB-Hicom (car sponsor).
The event started from 4.30pm on Saturday (Aug 31) at the Eco Ardence Sales Gallery, Persiaran Setia Alam in Setia Alam, Shah Alam.
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