Strengthening ties one step at a time

FOR the past few years, factory supervisor R. Sasikala and her colleagues Rossila Jassin, Haffi Hafiz and Khaw Hwee Ming have been taking part in walks around Penang as the four are fitness buffs.

Rossila, 43, a store employee, said the four of them were not merely colleagues but also good friends.

“When we first met each other about 10 years ago, we realised we were all into fitness and decided to participate in walk-related events including fun walks together,” she said.

Khaw, 47, a store coordinator, said taking part in walks had strengthened their friendship over the years.

“We share many things with each other, such as food, our family, our grievances, joy and work matters, especially when we meet up during outings and walk-related events,” she said.

Sasikala, 55, said besides spending time with each other outside work hours, they also took part in walks to motivate each other to stay fit.

The four muhibbah friends were among those spotted at an event endorsed by the Penang Island City Council last Sunday.

The 5km “I Love Malaysia Walk”, held in conjunction with the upcoming Malaysia Day, began and ended at Beach Street.

Some 1,200 people took part in the fourth edition of the annual event.

(From left) Sisters Bee Yeong, Chai Yong, Lai Yong and Lai Fong showing their finishers’ medals.

Sisters Chew Bee Yong, 69, Chai Yong, 67, Lai Yong, 65, and Lai Fong, 56, were all geared up to enjoy the early morning walk and the sights along the way.

“We are from Penang and we grew up around here. My sisters studied at SJK (C) Shih Chung Branch School,” said Lai Fong.

“We take part in events frequently and this time, we wanted to come for this walk to celebrate Malaysia Day and to catch up over sembang-sembang (chit chat).

“But most of all, taking part in this event gives us an opportunity to walk past all these heritage buildings in George Town and recall fond memories of the times we spent around here.”

Also enjoying the morning walk were Aida Yusof, 42, a senior executive and her sister Ain Yusof, 36, a customer service executive.

They were with Ain’s children Mikhail Ahmad Asyraf, eight, and Alisha Ahmad Asyraf, five.

“It is nice to see Malaysians of all races and walks of life coming together on this beautiful Sunday morning to celebrate our harmony and unity.

“We don’t often get to walk in this part of the city freely without any traffic and to admire its heritage buildings.

“It is times like these when we feel truly blessed to be Malaysians,” she said.

(Clockwise from top, left) Aida and her sister Ain with Ain’s children Mikhail and Alisha holding their mini flags.

In her speech, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, who flagged off the participants, said, “Malaysia’s unity in diversity promotes a sense of belonging, mutual respect and understanding among all racial and ethnic groups.

“This spirit of tolerance and harmony has contributed to the peace and prosperity that we, as Malaysians, cherish today.

“However, we must not take this harmony for granted. It is the result of decades of understanding and compromise,” said Hui Ying who is also Tanjong MP.

There were also Zumba performances and a lucky draw for participants.

Also present were Bagan MP and Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng.