Penang Run for Peace Draws 5,000 Participants to Achieve SDGs through Action and Unity

Run for Peace Penang was held on 7 September at Design Village, Batu Kawan. The event drew some 5,000 participants, including guests such as Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairperson YB Daniel Gooi Zi Sen; former IIUM rector Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Dzulkifli Abdul Razak; Seberang Perai Selatan district police chief Supt. Jay January Siowou; PE Land (Penang) Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Andy Song Chung Boon and more. 

In his speech, YB Gooi stressed that sustainable development is not only the responsibility of the government, but a collective effort involving social organisations, youth and communities. By fostering respect, empathy and solidarity in daily life, we can ensure that the next generation inherits a peaceful, resilient and inclusive Malaysia.

Together with SGM Penang chairperson Low Siew Kee and other guests, YB Gooi flagged off the five-kilometre run at 7:20 a.m. 

Several booths and game stations were also set up, featuring e-waste collection by supporting units, the “Seeds of Hope and Action (SoHA)” exhibition, enzyme production, garbage classification, making craft with upcycled materials and more. 

The Penang Run for Peace advocated peace and unity, encouraging people to take action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as reducing waste, protecting the environment and enhancing community cohesion. 

The weather favoured the event until its conclusion; a sudden downpour then fell, as if marking the end of the run. 

Reported by Chong Kar Woh and Tan Jia Mei

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