George Town celebrates with 1,500-strong city walk

To commemorate the 16th anniversary of George Town’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site, 1,500 participants gathered for the ‘George Town Day City Walk’ at Beach Street.

As a key part of the George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC), the event aimed to foster appreciation for the city’s rich heritage while exploring its historic streets.

A walk through George Town’s history

Organised by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the city walk attracted participants from 17 different countries.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, speaking at the event, highlighted the significance of preserving George Town’s cultural landmarks and traditions for future generations.

“As we walk through the streets of this historic city, we are surrounded by the echoes of the past, the vibrant energy of the present, and the promises of the future,” Chow said.

“George Town is not just a place; it is a living and breathing testament to the harmonious coexistence of various cultures, traditions, and communities.”

Chow also linked the event to the Penang2030 vision, which emphasises a “Family-Focused, Green, and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.”

He expressed hope that the walk would foster work-life balance among Penang’s working families, addressing concerns over Malaysia’s poor ranking in global work-life balance studies.

Health and community focus

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of balancing food consumption with regular exercise, citing alarming statistics from the National Health Screening Initiative 2023.

“Our country is facing a rise in obesity rates among adults and children.

According to the National Health Screening Initiative in 2023 by the Ministry of Health, more than half of Malaysians are identified as overweight or obese,” he noted.

“We expect an annual increase in adult and child obesity by 2035, with a 4.7 per cent and 5.3 per cent increase respectively.”

The George Town Heritage Celebrations featured a range of activities starting from 5 pm, encouraging community participation and cultural engagement.

The George Town Day City Walk not only celebrated the city’s rich history but also aimed to inspire a healthier, more balanced lifestyle among its residents.

For updates on the George Town Heritage Celebrations, visit GTHC’s official Facebook page or the GTWHI website.

Attendees included Deputy Finance Minister and MP Tanjong Lim Hui Ying, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, and other notable figures, reflecting the event’s significance in the community.

Source: Buletin Mutiara