IT was a spirited start to the New Year as some 7,500 participants from diverse backgrounds and age groups put their best foot forward at the 14th annual City Walk, held in conjunction with City Day 2026 at Padang Kota Lama (Esplanade) in George Town today.
Displaying enthusiasm and high spirits along the 5km route through the Unesco World Heritage Site, participants — mostly friends and family members — began the year on a healthy and positive note.
In his address, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his appreciation to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), its mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, MBPP councillors, the organising committee and volunteers for ensuring the smooth organisation of the event, held on the first day of the New Year.
He added that he was proud to see such a large turnout at the historic heart of George Town.
“Your presence reflects the spirit of a healthy lifestyle, sportsmanship and community unity among the people of Penang,” said Chow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman and Batu Kawan Member of Parliament.
While Penang continues to uphold its reputation as an industrial and technology hub, Chow said the state government remains committed to people-friendly urban development that is green, clean, smart and safe.
He noted that the inflow of investments in the semiconductor sector, integrated circuit (IC) design, medical and other related industries has created high-skilled employment opportunities and further sustainably strengthened the state’s economy.
Chow also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and provide comfortable social and recreational spaces for communities across the state.
“As we enter 2026, let us move forward together towards a better year — A Better 2026,” he said.
According to Chow, the state’s vision is guided by the principle of caring governance, which has been the backbone of the administration, ensuring that no one is left behind or marginalised.
Among the key approaches outlined were:
(i) a stronger economy driven by the growth of high-quality investments;
(ii) political stability through the preservation of harmony and unity within the local community;
(iii) continued attention and support for vulnerable groups; and
(iv) continuous improvement in MBPP’s performance to make the city cleaner, greener, smarter and safer.
“Therefore, in the spirit of the New Year 2026, I call upon all Penangites to continue working together, to care for our city, and to uphold the spirit of unity and harmony that we have built.
“Through collective effort, Penang will continue to be an outstanding city, admired and of high quality for the lives of all who call it home.
“Happy New Year 2026. May this year bring lasting happiness, good health and success to every one of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rajendran said the City Walk, first introduced in 2013, has evolved into a proud annual tradition in Penang, held every January 1.
Of the 7,500 participants this year, 264 were born on 1 January and were allowed to take part without any registration fee. The youngest participant was four months old, while the oldest was 94.
“We want to make sports and recreational activities part of daily life. By walking 5km early this morning, we are not only here for our own health, but also out of responsibility to our families and employers,” Rajendran said.
Several participants were seen pushing children seated in strollers or trams. Among them were schoolteachers Anis Md Nor, 37, and Siti Zullaiha Zulkefli, 35, who enjoyed a light workout while pushing a trolley carrying their children, Aireen, six, and Aidan, four.
“This event provides good bonding time for us as a family. Besides that, we also enjoy this multiracial gathering,” Anis said.
Despite her age, 93-year-old Ting Sia Moi could keep up her pace, accompanied by her son, Sng Aik Sin, 57. She also chatted happily along the route when met by state executive councillors Lim Siew Khim and H’ng Mooi Lye, and Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng.
“This marks my 10th time participating in the walk. I just enjoy coming out and seeing the many wonderful people,” Madam Ting said smilingly.
Also joining the event were Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who is also Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development; Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng; Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail; Deputy State Secretary (Management) Muhamad Ghopran Yeop Hamzah; MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong; Chief Minister’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee, Northeast District deputy OCPD Supt Lee Swee Sake; and Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian and Siew Chia En
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
