11,000 Participants Raise the Waves of Peace at MAEPS

On 6 September 2025, more than 11,000 people gathered at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) for the Kuala Lumpur Run for Peace, giving a powerful voice to the slogan: “Peace Begins with Me! Act Now for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!”

The event was graced by HRH The Princess Tunku Mariamz Sultan Iskandar of Johor, while the opening ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister of National Unity YB Saraswathy Kandasami, representing the minister YB Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.

In his speech, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai stated that Run for Peace’s  origin spring from second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda’s Declaration Calling for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons made in 1957, where he denounced nuclear weapons as an “absolute evil” and that all life deserves equal respect. He urged the participants to carry forward that spirit and take a step forward as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

YB Saraswathy congratulated SGM for consistently promoting this meaningful event for two decades. She fully endorsed the belief that peace begins from within, urging everyone to take the first step in building a peaceful and sustainable Malaysia.

When participants began gathering, the sun was blazing, but when the run began at 6:00 p.m., a cool breeze welcomed the participants. The final participant to cross the finish line was greeted by a moonlit sky. 

Various side activities enriched the day’s programme, including booths introducing the SDGs and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), free health screens, face-painting and performances. 

The run saw the attendance of many supporting organisations and partners, including the UNFPA Representative for Malaysia Dr Julitta Onabanjo; Ministry of Youth and Sports representative Dharzuky Daud; Malaysian Recycling Alliance (MAREA) CEO Roberto Benetello; MY Clean Beach (MYCB) founder Geeva Samynathan; and Islamic International University Malaysia (IIUM) Peace, Dialogue and Xenophobia Studies director Assoc Prof Dr Danial Yusof.

Besides, representatives from the National Department for Culture and Arts, Malaysian Organisation of Hindu Knowledge on Science Heritage and Art (MOHKSHA ), and Sejahtera Leadership Initiative were present too. 

Reported by Ting Cheau Ya

More on Run for Peace 2025

First launched in 2005, Run for Peace (RFP) is a biennial, non-competitive event that has attracted over 400,000 participants nationwide over the past two decades. Carrying the slogan, “Peace Starts with Me! ACT NOW for SDGs!”, the event highlights the message of peace in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encourages Malaysians to take concrete action for a better future. Throughout September, more than 70,000 people are expected to join the run across 22 locations nationwide.

This year also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, and Run for Peace seeks to advance the UN SDGs by fostering a culture of peace, treasuring life, embracing diversity and protecting the environment for future generations.

For more information, kindly visit Run for Peace official website at https://www.runforpeace.com.my