DESPITE the morning rain, hundreds of participants turned up at Youth Park today to take part in Walk With Hope 2026, turning a wet morning into a powerful show of solidarity for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
The 4km fun walk, organised by Befrienders Penang in collaboration with the Penang Medical Practitioners’ Society, Penang Adventurers’ Club and Stay Fit Sunnah Sports Club, was held in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day, which serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, connection and early support for those facing emotional distress.
The event featured a range of activities, including a lively Zumba session, mental health carnival and lucky draw, creating an atmosphere that combined community spirit with an important message that no one should have to face emotional struggles alone.
Befrienders Penang patron and adviser Tan Lean Kee, who is also the wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said World Suicide Prevention Day was an opportunity for everyone to remember that every life mattered and that everyone deserved compassion and support.
“Today, we walk for those we have lost, we walk for those who are struggling in silence, and we walk to remind everyone that help is available and hope is possible.
“We also walk to honour the quiet yet powerful work of listening,” she said in her speech before the flag-off ceremony.
Tan said this year’s global theme, ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, called on society to speak more openly about suicide, listen without judgement and replace silence and stigma with empathy and hope.
“Asking for help is a profound act of courage and should never be construed as a weakness,” she said.
She also encouraged members of the public to pay closer attention to those around them who might be struggling emotionally, take the initiative to start a conversation and guide them towards appropriate sources of help, including Befrienders Penang through its hotline or WhatsApp service.
Tan also expressed her appreciation to the organisation’s volunteers, describing their work as extraordinary and deeply meaningful.
“I am humbled by the extraordinary work of our volunteers.
“Day after day, they answer the calls of those in distress, offering confidential and non-judgmental emotional support and, most importantly, the gift of being heard,” she said.
She noted that Befrienders’ operating hours, which previously extended from 3am to midnight, had recently been adjusted to 3pm to 3am daily.
“To all our volunteers, thank you for your time, compassion and silent dedication,” she said.
Tan stressed that suicide prevention could not be left to any single individual or organisation, but required a collective commitment involving professionals, communities, volunteers and the government.
“Together, let us change the narrative, strengthen hope and reaffirm our commitment to preventing suicide,” she concluded.
Also present were Befrienders Penang chairperson Saras Pillay, organising chairperson Che Shahira Bakri, M Summit Group chairman Datuk Seri Albert Moh See Eng and Greatech Human Resources and Administration director Jenise Loo Khai Tien.
Story by Riadz Akmal