3,500 Brave Wind and Rain to Join Johor Bahru Run for Peace 

Heavy rain descended upon Dataran Mahkota in Iskandar Puteri near Johor Bahru in the pre-dawn hours of 7 September 2025. But this sudden downpour did not extinguish the flame of peace in the hearts of the 3,500 participants and event staff of the Johor Bahru Run for Peace on this day. They stood firm, uniting to ignite the spirit of Run for Peace. 

The organisers SGM Johor swiftly activated the contingency plan in view of the inclement weather, and relocated the opening ceremony from the outdoor stage to the underground car park of a nearby building. Participants in raincoats entered this venue at 9:00 a.m., with bright smiles and undiminished enthusiasm, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere.

The ceremony opened with a powerful and inspiring 24-season drums performance. Distinguished guests in attendance included Johor youth, sports, entrepreneurship development and cooperatives committee chairperson YB Mohd Hairi Mad Shah (representing Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi); deputy state secretary Dato Haji On Jabbar @ Jaafar; Iskandar Puteri mayor Hasrin Kamal Hashim; Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ) CEO Hishamuddin Abdul Rahim; and Johor Education Department deputy director Musa Atan.

In his speech, YB Mohd Hairi shared that it was his first time officiating a flag-off ceremony in a car park. Despite the unusual setting, he expressed deep admiration for the unwavering spirit and courage of the SGM youths in facing adversity. He then led the entire crowd in a rousing three cheers of “Run for Peace!”, lifting the spirit of all present.

The event also featured various engaging activities such as face-painting, photo spots, SDG-themed games, and the “Seeds of Hope and Action” exhibition. Despite the persistent drizzle, participants actively joined in, filling the venue with warmth and hope. 

A young child, after visiting the exhibition, remarked, “I’ll tell others not to throw recyclables on the ground.” This simple yet determined declaration perfectly captured the deeper meaning of Run for Peace – that peace begins with small, everyday actions.

On the same day, SGM Johor signed a two-year memorandum of understanding with YRZSNJ, pledging to visit 20 primary schools across the state to promote SDGs education and community-based initiatives.

(Reported by Khoi Yu Wei, Chan Yuan Zhe, Leu Bae Huey and Lai Ke Li)

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