KOTA KINABALU: The ‘Berjalan 10,000 Langkah Merdeka’ (Independence 10,000-Step Walk) programme has made it into the Malaysia Book of Records with the most participants.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said there were more than 140,000 participants nationwide, including around 18,000 participants from Sabah.
“It is a successful campaign as we can increase the awareness of the society on the importance of health,” he said at the closing and prize giving ceremony at SJK(C) Shan Tao yesterday.
In his speech, Liow said the people should always ensure well-being, peace and unity after 55 years of independence.
“This is a reality and it is important that our people appreciate the independence we now enjoy,” he said.
Liow also urged the people to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his 1Malaysia concept.
“1Malaysia is not a slogan, it is not a publicity stunt, but a movement whereby through the concept we move towards becoming a developed nation by 2020.”
The main organisers of the 10,000 steps programme were the Health Ministry, the Malaysian Federation of Chinese Associations, while the programme in Sabah was organised by the women’s bureau of the Federation of Chinese Associations of Malaysia and the women’s bureau of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS).
Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Khoo Keok Hai, acting president of FCAS Datuk T.C. Goh, Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia women’s chief Datuk Agnes Shim, Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah branch president Datuk Lau Kok Sing, adviser to the organising committee Datuk Chau Tet On, Education director Datuk Dr Muhiddin Yusin, Health director Dr Mohd Yusof Ibrahim and other invited guests.