KUCHING: About 3,000 people from all walks of life took part in the inaugural Sarawak-China Friendship Run.
The participants arrived as early as 5.30am and gathered at the Malaysia-China Friendship Park in Jalan Song here for the three- and five-kilometre (km) runs, respectively.
Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Deputy Minister Michael Tiang, who was present to flag off the run, said it is a historical event as it celebrates the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China.
“This is historical because this is the first time ever since 1974 that we have had diplomatic relations with Malaysia and China.
“Therefore, today we continue to promote our friendship, including both Sarawak and China, to celebrate our friendship for the past decades,” he said.
Tiang added that Malaysia and China are going to celebrate their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and thus this run will be the starting point of the celebration next year.
“It is very important for both countries, Malaysia and China, to maintain this diplomatic relationship so that we can form a strategic partnership in many areas such as international trade, investment, economic activities, and many more,” he said.
The event, he said, also supports and promotes a harmonious community and a healthy lifestyle.
“I also want to thank the organisers for organising the run as well as the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China, as this solidifies the friendship between Sarawak and China.
“No matter if you run for 3km or 5km, every step we take towards this friendship is very meaningful,” he said.
Earlier, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping said he looked forward to greater development of China-Sarawak relations and greater contributions to China-Malaysia relations.
“The hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) produced by CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation) will start running on Kuching streets.
“This is the beginning of cooperation between China and Sarawak, and it is an important event in China-Sarawak economic and trade cooperation,” he said.
Apart from locals, the run, which is jointly organised by the Sarawak-China Friendship Association (SCFA) and Kuching Chung Hua Middle School Alumni Association, was attended by those from other divisions of Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and China.
Upon completing the run on the day of the event, participants were also awarded medals.
Kuching South City Council mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Sarawak Tourism Board acting chief executive officer Yusfida Khalid, co-organising chairman Datuk Wee Kok Hui, and co-organising chairman Kho Swee Aik were among those present.
