From 5 to 14 September, Run for Peace 2025 united people from all walks of life across 22 venues nationwide under the uplifting slogan “Peace Starts with Me, Act NOW for SDGs!”

This biennial event inspired collective action for peace and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reaching 81,160 people – 73,492 registered runners and 7668 who joined SDG-related activities in the months leading up to it. A session of the run scheduled to be held in Tawau was later cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

At the Kuala Lumpur session on 6 September, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai shared how the run draws inspiration from Soka Gakkai’s second president Josei Toda, who denounced nuclear weapons and urged youth to work for their abolition. Mr Koh emphasised that peace is built through our daily actions of caring for others, valuing all life and protecting the planet we share.

Performances and warm-up sessions infused the venues with a vibrant atmosphere. After the flag-off, participants ran and walked together in high spirits along routes ranging from 3km to 8km. Their faces aglow with both sweat and joy, embodying the shared pride of advancing  peace. Many also took part in on-site activities such as face painting, games and exhibitions.

Iskandar Puteri, Johor

Lahad Datu, Sabah

In line with the SDGs, recycled materials were used in venue decorations, and the T-shirt from the 2023 run was reused, underscoring the event’s commitment to promoting responsible consumption and waste reduction.

Organised by SGM, the run was supported by the Ministry of National Unity, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the United Nations in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, in partnership with various organisations championing peace and sustainability.

Marking 20 years since its 2005 debut in Klang, Selangor, Run for Peace has inspired over 400,000 people with the message: Peace starts with me.

Details of run by location:

Kelantan
Date: 5 September  
Location: SMK Zainab 1, Kota Bharu
Number of participants: 1,076

Guest-of-honour:
Kelantan Youth and Sports Department director Mohd Saipuddin Zakaria

Kedah – Alor Setar
Date: 5 September
Location: Taman Jubli Emas, Alor Setar
Number of participants: 2,027

Guest-of-honour:
YTM Tunku Temenggong Kedah Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah

Kedah – Sungai Petani
Date: 6 September  
Location: Riverfront City, Sungai Petani 
Number of participants: 1,619

Guest-of-honour:
Kedah Youth and Sports Department deputy director of sports Mohd Hanaffi A. Rahman

Terengganu
Date: 6 September 
Location: Padang Astaka, Kemaman
Number of participants: 398

Guest-of-honour:
Kijal assemblyperson YB Datuk Razali Idris (represented by Terengganu Tourism Department director Hilman Hajijan)

Kuala Lumpur
Date: 6 September
Location: Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS)
Number of participants: 11,675
Special guest:
YAM Paduka Puteri Tunku Mariamz Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj
Guest-of-honour:
Deputy Minister of National Unity YB Saraswathy Kandasami

Selangor
Date: 7 September
Location: Padang Besar Klang Jaya
Number of participants: 10,041

Guest-of-honour:
Selangor Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari

Negeri Sembilan
Date: 7 September 
Location: Padang Majlis Perbandaran Seremban
Number of participants: 3,179

Guest-of-honour:
YAM Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz

Johor – Iskandar Puteri
Date: 7 September
Location: Dataran Mahkota, Iskandar Puteri
Number of participants: 5,375

Guest-of-honour: 
Johor Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi (represented by Johor EXCO for Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Mohd Hairi Mad Shah)
 
Johor – Muar
Date: 7 September
Location: SJKC Chung Hwa Ketiga, Muar
Number of participants: 1,533

Guest-of-honour:
Muar district officer Tuan Haji Zainal Eran

Johor – Kluang
Date: 7 September
Location: Kluang Sports Hub
Number of participants: 1,833

Guest-of-honour:
Kluang MP YB Wong Shu Qi 

 
Pahang
Date: 7 September 
Location: SJKC Kuang Hwa, Kuantan
Number of participants: 1,870

Guest-of-honour:
Pahang state assembly deputy speaker YB Lee Chin Chen

Perak
Date: 7 September 
Location: Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah, Ipoh
Number of participants: 8,536

Guest-of-honour:
Perak exco YB Sandrea Ng Shy Ching

Penang
Date: 7 September 
Location: Design Village Outlet Mall, Simpang Ampat
Number of participants: 5,795

Special guest:
Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli bin Abdul Razak
Guest-of-honour:
Penang exco for youth, sports and health YB Daniel Gooi Zi Sen

Sabah – Kota Kinabalu
Date: 7 September 
Location: Padang Kawad, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Number of participants: 4,360

Guest-of-honour:
Sabah National Unity and Integration Department director Rina Ab Harun (represented by deputy director Esther Dingkawan)

Sabah – Keningau
Date:  7 September 
Location: Kompleks Sukan Keningau
Number of participants: 2,153

Guest-of-honour:
Keningau district officer Peter Jonu Moinjil

Sabah – Sandakan
Date: 7 September  
Location: Kompleks Sukan Sandakan
Number of participants: 1,705

Guest-of-honour:
Sandakan MP YB Vivian Wong Shir Yee
 

Sabah – Lahad Datu
Date: 14 September
Location: Kompleks Sukan Lahad Datu
Number of participants: 1,218

Guest-of-honour:
Lahad Datu district officer Firuz Idzualdeen @ Benetty Mohd Dzul (represented by Mohd Hadzrul Tahamit)

Labuan
Date: 7 September
Location: Labuan International School
Number of participants: 681

Guest-of-honour:
Labuan International School principal Fadlin Aimuni Binting

Sarawak – Kuching
Date: 7 September 
Location: Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan
Number of participants:  2,204

Guest-of-honour:
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government YB Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian

Sarawak – Miri
Date: 14 September  
Location: Miri City Hall
Number of participants: 1,591

Guest-of-honour:
Sarawak Minister for Transport YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin

Sarawak – Sibu
Date: 14 September  
Location: Stadium Tun Zaidi, Sibu
Number of participants: 874

Guest-of-honour:
Sarawak Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister YB Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee (represented by Sibu Municipal Council chairperson Clarence Ting Ing Horh)

Melaka
Date: 14 September  
Location: Stadium Tun Fatimah, Semabok
Number of participants: 2,077

Guest-of-honour:
Melaka Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh (represented by Melaka exco for entrepreneur development, cooperatives and consumer affairs YB Allex Seah Shoo Chin)

Guests’ Impressions

YTM Tunku Temenggong Kedah Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah
I believe the theme “Peace Starts with Me” is powerful because peace truly begins with individual actions. We must all learn more about the SDGs, and do our part in building harmony in our communities.

YAM Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz
I believe learning about the SDGs is essential for the community to understand the significance of these goals. Our planet is under threat, so we need to raise awareness about climate change and inspire the next generation to take action in saving it. 

YAM Paduka Puteri Tunku Mariamz Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj
We need to emphasise peace and tolerance. When you are able to appreciate and accept the shortcomings of others -– and even your own – you will find it easier to achieve peace. The key is to continually strive to become a better person.

YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari
Menteri Besar of Selangor
I am proud that this movement began in Klang and will continue to support it. We are considering naming Padang Besar Klang Jaya the “Peace Field.” The SDGs theme is timely, addressing global issues that require not only  government efforts, but everyone’s contribution to achieve peace and sustainability.

YB Saraswathy Kandasami
Deputy Minister of National Unity 
Peace is the core foundation of a nation’s prosperity. We all share this responsibility. It is encouraging to see so many youths participating in today’s event, as they are the future. Their involvement gives us hope that the next generation truly values peace.

YB Datuk Amar Prof. Dr Sim Kui Hian
Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government of Sarawak
Practising the SDGs is everyone’s responsibility. We should do our part to help create a healthier planet. Climate change isn’t just about changing the environment; it is about changing our mindset to help build a better world.

Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli bin Abdul Razak
Former Rector, International Islamic University Malaysia
I have participated in the Run for Peace several times in different places, and this year’s event is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings — making it a truly timely initiative. In the future, it might be worthwhile to incorporate elements that encourage ‘thinking about peace,’ allowing young people to express their understanding of war and peace. I also look forward to seeing the event have an even greater impact among the youth, as they are the key driving force for change.

Dr Julitta Onabanjo
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative for Malaysia
I think young people are the best peacemakers. They are able to understand, negotiate and come together in unity, all of which are essential for achieving peace. I think having young people here, not just joining the run but also contributing actively in organising it, is truly fantastic. As a member of the UN system, we really put a lot of hope in what young people can do and the actions that they can take.

Dharzuky bin Daud @ Zakaria
Director of the National Fitness Branch, National Youth and Sports Department, Ministry of Youth and Sports
I would like to express my sincere respect to SGM for creating not only a vibrant event filled with the spirit of peace, but also for demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm, and teamwork throughout the planning and execution process. The event drew a large and lively crowd, and the atmosphere was truly moving. It was heartening to see participants from all races and age groups, reflecting that peace is a shared mission for everyone. Such initiatives deserve to be continued and further expanded.

YB Lee Chin Chen
Deputy Speaker, Pahang State Assembly 
The run highlights the true essence of peace as a universal value that transcends differences such as age and religion. When we consistently take small, positive actions in our daily lives, they can collectively bring about a profound impact on our society and nation.

YB Sandrea Ng Shy Ching
Perak State EXCO
Thank you SGM for your  continuous efforts in promoting peace and advancing the SDGs. This event effectively conveyed the message of peace and sustainability to all participants. Each of us is a peace ambassador, and we share the collective responsibility to uphold peace in our society.

YB Allex Seah Shoo Chin
Melaka State EXCO for Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs
The venue buzzed with a positive energy – an atmosphere filled with unity and hope. This event was more than just a run; it was a meaningful opportunity for young people to understand the importance of protecting our planet and preserving peace.

YB Wong Shu Qi
Member of Parliament for Kluang 
The future of the world rests in the hands of young people. The nation, society and world we are building today will one day be theirs to inherit. It is therefore essential that youth take an active role now in shaping the kind of community and future they aspire to live in.

Mohd Saipuddin Zakaria
Director, Kelantan Youth and Sports Department 
The run conveys a message of peace, reminding people to cherish a life free of war. Whether young or old, everyone longs for peace. Taking part in this event reflects the participants’ shared love of peace, as well as their love for our planet Earth.

Esther Dingkawan
Deputy Director, Sabah National Unity and Integration Department 
The run carries an important message of peace, and I hope it continues for many years to come. The SDGs exhibition was particularly informative, providing valuable insights into sustainable development and helping to raise awareness among participants.

Participants’ Impressions

Chris Lim Kok Tai
Selangor
My primary school teacher invited me to join this run. Running alongside participants of different ethnicities was, in itself, a reflection of peace. To build peace, we should avoid arguments and express our thoughts calmly to others. 

Nor Azimah Mohamad Soum
Pahang
This is my first time participating in Run for Peace, and I am excited to be part of such a large gathering. To me, peace means coming together as Malaysians, embracing our diversity and enjoying events in harmony.

Alvaro Rios
Penang
I am visiting Malaysia from Mexico and had the opportunity to join this run. I believe peace begins with kindness and treating others well. Participating in this event has been a great experience, as everyone here has been very friendly.

Ooi Si Qin
Kedah
Running for peace is truly meaningful, and I am deeply moved to see everyone pressing on despite the rain, making the event a success. Even those with limited physical strength stepped forward to show their support for peace.

Ann Tay Choo Geok
Sarawak
I am truly impressed by the creative photo props made from recycled materials. They not only make beautiful photo backdrops but also serve as a meaningful way to raise awareness about environmental protection.